LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap. Copyrigiit I^o.._.^/4 , 

Shelf„.._ilJ 7 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Manual of the Sodality 



OF THE 



Blessed Virgin Mary 



WITH OFFICES, PRAYERS, DEVOTIONS AND HYMNS 
FOR THE UvSE OF SODALITIES 



COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOrRCE? 



PERMISSU SUPERIORUM 



Apostleship of Prayer 
27-29 West i6th St. 

NEW YORK 



IMPRIMATUR 

MICHAEL AUGUSTINE 

Archbishop of New York 



March 27, iSgj 



copyright, 1s97 
By Apostleship of Praykr 



^ The present Sodality Manual is intended 
to supply the Directors and members of the 
Sodality with a reliable handbook and com- 
plete book of devotions in one. 

The First Part, which treats of the Sodality, 
its Statutes and Rules, is taken from authentic 
sources. The Rules of the Prima Primaria 
as here contained, are framed according to the 
Apostolic Constitutions of the Popes, and have 
been at various times approved by the Father 
General of the Society of Jesus, who is also 
Director General of the Sodality. 

The Second Part contains the Offices, cus- 
tomary to be recited by the Sodality- — The 
Little Office of the Blessed Virgiji^ The Little 
Office of the Lmmaculate Conception, and The 
Office of the Dead. To economize space we 
have been obliged to give only one Nocturn at 
Matins, and to omit the Proper for Advent in 
the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 
The Latin text and the English translation of 
the Offices will be found on opposite pages. 
iii 



iv 



In the Third Part we have compiled a col- 
lection of daily and occasional devotions, with 
the Ordinary of the Mass, and special devo- 
tions to the chief Patrons of the Sodality. 
This part forms a complete prayer book in 
itself. Prayers and devotions that are enriched 
with Indulgences have been chosen in prefer- 
ence. 

A small collection of hymns to the Blessed 
Virgin for the use of the Sodality completes 
the Manual. For the convenience of Music 
Directors of Sodalities, we have selected these 
hymns from one source — the Roman Hymnal 
of Father J. B. Young, S.J. The alphabetical 
ind^x at the end of the book will greatly facili- 
tate its use. 

May this little offering contribute much to 
the glory and honor of the Queen of Heaven, 
and to the grow^th and prosperity of her 
Sodalities ! 



Feast of the Annunciation 
of the Blessed Virgi^i Mary. 
March 25, /c?p7. 



CONTENTS, 



PART I. 

INTRODUCTION. 

Origin and History of the vSodality i 

Object of the Sodality 3 

Practices of the Sodality 3 

Benefits of the Sodality S 

Principal Indulgences 9 

Erection and Aggregation 11 

Direction of the Sodality . . . 12 

Useful Hints 14 

Statutes and Rules of the Roman Prima Primaria. 

CHAPTER I. 

Common Rules 17 

Object 17 

Constitution . . 17 

Frequentation of the Sacraments 18 

Choice of a Confessor 18 

Order of the Sodality Meetings 19 

The Celebration of the Feasts of our Lord and His 

Blessed Mother . .... 19 

Pious Observances 20 

Spiritual Reading 20 

Annual Retreat 21 

Regular Attendance . . . . , 22 

Record of Attendance . . . 22 

Decorations to be Moderate .......... 23 

Daily Exercises of Piety 23 

Pious Practices .... ... 24 

Visitation of the Sick and Prayers for the Dead . , 24 



vi CONTENTS 

I^etters Patent of the Sodality 25 

Fraternal Union and Charity 25 

Reading of the Rules . . 26 

CHAPTER II. 

Election of the Officers of the Soi>ality .... 26 

CHAPTER III. 

Particular Rules of the Officers 28 

Rules of the Prefect of the Sodality ......... 2S 

Rules of the Assistants 30 

Rules of the Secretary 30 

Rules of the Consultors 31 

Rules of the Treasurer 31 

Rules of the I,ibrarian 32 

Rules of those that Visit the Sick ... .... 32 

Rules of the Sacristans 33 

RuiCS of the Reader .... 34 

Rules of the Doorkeeper 34 

CHAPTER IV. 

Admission of Members 35 

CHAPTER V. 

The Solemn Reception of New Members 3^ ^ 

Synopsis of the Ceremonial of Reception ...... 36 

CHAPTER VI. 

Ceremony of Solemn Reception 37 

Vent Creator .... 37 

The Blessing^ of Medals , . . . , . . . . 39 

The Ceremony of Reception of New Members ... 40 

Act of Consecration 42 

Investiture of Members with the Medal 45 

CHAPTER VII. 

Order of Exercises at Regular Meetings .... 44 



CONTENTS vii 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Prayers for Regular or Occasional Meetings . . 45 

Invocation of the Holy Ghost . < 45 

The I^itany of Loretto 45 

Salve Regina 48 

Memorare . . . 49 

Prayer of St. Aloysius - . . . 50 

Prayer for the Sodality 50 

Prayer for a Sick Member 5-t 

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 51 

O Salutaris 51 

Tantum ergo . . 52 

The Divine Praises 53 

PART II. 

Offices Usually Recited by the Sodality. 

Prayer Before the Recitation of the Office ...... 56 

Prayer After the Recitation of the Office 56 

The I^ittle Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Matins , 5S 

Lauds 8z 

Vespers ........ 104 

Complin ............ 120 

Antiphons of the Blessed Virgin 128 

The IvIttle Office of the Immaculate Conception. 

At Matins 138 

At Prime 142 

At Tierce ........... 144 

AtSext ^ ........... . . . 146 

At None . 14S 

At Vespers 148 

At Complin . .... 15a 

The Commendation 152 



viii 



CONTEA^TS 



The Office of the Dead. 

Vespers 156 

Matins 174 

Lauds 192 

PART III. 

Daily and Occasional Prayers and Devotions. 

Morning Prayer 210 

The Morning Offering 210 

Memorare 214 

Angelus ....215 

Indulgenced Asp'rations 216 

Night Players 217 

The Acts 221 

Ordinary of the Mass 223 

Vi-'it to the Blessed Sacrament 247 

Prayers for Confession . 250 

Prayers before Confession .... 250 

Prayers after Confession 252 

Devotions for Holy Communion 555 

Praj^er before (. ommunion 255 

Aspirations after Communion 257 

Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas 259 

Anima Christi 260 

Indulgenced Prayer i6i 

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus 262 

The Stations of the Cross 265 

Devotion of the Holy Rosarj^ , 276 

The Mj'-steries of the Rosary 277 

Devotions to some Patp^ons of the Sodality. 

Devotion to the Holy Angels 278 

Litany of the Guardian Angel 278 

Devotion to St. Joseph ... . 280 

Prayer for a Happy Death 281 



COVTE.XTS 

Devotion to St. Anne 28 2 

Devotion to St. Ignatius Loyola 2S3 

Devotion to St. Francis Xav:er 2S4 

The Novena of Grace 2S4 

Devotion to St. Alo^-siiis 2S6 

The Six Sundays 2S6 

Litany of St. Aio^'sius ^87 

Prayer for the Good Choice of a State of Life . 289 

Devotion to St. Stan:. -las Kostka 289 

Praj-er for Purit\ . . . 289 

Praj^er for Charity 29c 

Prayer for a Happy Death 290 

Devotion to St. John Berchmans 291 

Devotion to St. Agnes 292 

Devotion to St. Agatha 29.3 

Devotion to St. Lucy . . 294 

Devotion to St. E^ose of Lima :95 

Hymns. 

What Monal Tongue 297 

Daily, Daily Sing to Mary . . ^98 

Hail. Blight Star of Ocean 209 

Immaculate 1 Immaculate '. 300 

Star of Jacob, Ever Beaming . . ■ 301 

O Mary Blest 302 

Mother of God, My Life, My Hope 303 

Ha:]. Queen of Heaven, the Ocean's Star 304 

O ^vlother Bles:. Whom God Bestows 305 

Daughter of God the Fat.her 306 

Look Down. O ^lother '^Invy '. .... 307 

Hail. Holy Queen, Enthron'd Above 30S 

O Mary, My Mothrr, Most Lovely, Most :\ri]d , . 310 

O Sanctissima .... 311 

Holy God. We Praise Thy Name 312 

I^-i^EX 313 



Manual ok 



THE SODALITY OF THE ^ 

* ^ BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 
PART I. 

A.— INTRODUCTIOX. 
I. — Origin and History^ of the Sodality. 

The Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, as it is 
now organized, was instituted in 1563, in the 
Roman College, by a young Belgian scholastic, 
John Leon (Leunis), who used to assemble 
his most fervent pupils after class hours and 
on Sundays and holidays, to practise some 
simple devotions in honor of our Lady. 

This pious custom already existed in several 
other colleges of the Society of Jesus. The 
true originator of it was a Sicilian scholastic, 
Sebastian Cabarrasi, from whom young Leon 
had learned this holy practice, while they were 
both teaching in the Jesuit College at Syra- 
cuse, in Sicily. The devotion was soon taken 
up by other classes in the Roman College, un- 
til it became general; then other colleges fol- 
lowed, and in a short time it had spread abroad 
so widely that the General of the Society, Father 



(I) 



2 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Claudius Acquaviva, thought it important 
enough to call for regular organization and the 
sanction of the Church. 

To the petition of Father Acquaviva Pope 
Gregory XIII. , in 1584, acceded in the Bull 
Omnipotentis Dei, which placed the seal of the 
Church's formal sanction on the undertaking, 
by erecting the Roman Sodality as a Primary 
Congregation, with the title Fri7na Prifnaria. 
The Bull proclaimed the Indulgences granted 
to the members of the Sodality and gave to the 
Father General of the Society of Jesus the 
power to erect like Sodalities everywhere and 
to aggregate or affiliate them to the Prima 
Pri77iaria^ by which aggregation they became 
sharers in all its privileges and Indulgences. 

Many other Popes have confirmed and en- 
larged these privileges and added new Indul- 
gences. The most remarkable of these Pon- 
tifical utterances is the Bull Gloriosce DomitKE, 
known as the Golden Bull (^Bulla Aurea), 
issued September 27, 1748, by Pope Benedict 
XIV. Within a small compass seldom has a 
more glorious panegyric been uttered on the 
Blessed Mother of God, or stronger encourage- 
ment been given to join the Sodality of the 
Blessed Virgin, which, in the words of the 
great Pontiff, has wrought good untold in all 
orders and ranks of men. 

In our own days. Popes Gregory XVI. , Pius 



0BJEC2 



3 



IX., and Leo. XIII., have ratified all the privi- 
leges granted by their predecessors, and en- 
riched the Sodality with new Indulgences. 
Thus approved and encouraged by the Church, 
the Sodality is known everywhere in the Cath- 
olic world and everywhere bears fruit worthy 
of its Immaculate Queen and Patroness. 

The following Popes were themselves active 
members of Our Lady's Sodality: Gregory 
XV., Urban VIIL, Alexander VII., Clement 
IX. , Clement X. , Innocent XL , Benedict XIV. , 
Pius IX., Leo XIIL 

II.— Object of the Sodality. 

The chief aim of the Sodality is to foster in 
the hearts of the members a more than ordinary 
devotion to our Blessed Lady, in order that, 
helped by her special protection, they may 
lead a pure Christian life and prepare them- 
selves to die a happy death. 

Pope Benedict XIV. said of the Sodality : 
Christian youth everywhere, intent on honor- 
ing and serving the blessed Mother of God, 
under her guidance who is the ' Mother of fair 
love and of knowledge and holy fear,' is taught 
to strive after the height of Christian perfection 
and to press forward to the goal of eternal sal- 
vation." 

III. — Practices of the Sodality. 
On a day and at an hour appointed the mem- 



4 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

bers hold their regular meetings. The usual prac- 
tice of the Sodality, at its regular meetings, is to 
recite the Office of the Blessed Virgin, cr the 
Little Office of the Immaculate Conception, if 
this is more convenient. In case of necessity, 
other prayers, hymns and devotions may be sub- 
stituted. 

The Director, or some one appointed by 
him, should always give an instruction at these 
meetings on some topic connected with our 
Lady, or, if it be evidently more profitable at 
times, on some other kindred topic. 

Regularity in the holding of the meetings 
has much, if not everything to do with the suc- 
cess of the good work, and the regular instruc- 
tion gives the Director an opportunity of doing 
much good to the members. A vast amount of in- 
struction can be conveyed in a year when the 
work is not allowed to become desultory. 

In the true spirit of the Sodality, the mem- 
bers should frequently receive Holy Com- 
munion — if possible, all together — especially on 
feasts of the Blessed Virgin : they should prac- 
tise the devotion of the Six Sundays of St. Alo- 
ysius, and it is advisable that they devote some 
days every year to the spiritual exercises of a 
Retreat. 

The good works recommended are not obli- 
gatory, but all or any of them may be done 
with great profit : 



PRA CTICES 



5 



((^) Every day ^ to begin the day by some 
special prayers to iheir heavenly Patroness. In 
the Prima P^'iviaria three Hail Marys are 
customary, morning and night. 

To be present, if possible, at the holy Sacri- 
i fice of the Mass. To give some time to pious 
' meditation or to spiritual reading. To recite, 
at least in part, the Rosary or the Office of the 
Blessed Virgin. To make an examination of 
conscience before going to rest. 

{b^ Ofice a mo?ith, at the very least, to re- 
ceive the sacraments of Penance and the Holy 
Eucharist. 

Once or twice a year, to make a general 
confession ; that is, a review since the last one 
made. 

(^d) At the death of a meifiber of the Sodality, 
to accompany the body to the grave and fer- 
vently commend the soul to Gcd. 

(<?) At all times, to be earnest in furthering 
the interests of the Church and of religion ; to 
strive, by example as well as by words, to lead 
back to the way of salvation those who have 
strayed from the faith or from the practice of vir- 
tue ; to promote works of mercy, especially 
towards members of the Sodality in time of sick- 
ness; to aim not only at acquiring ordinary 
Christian virtue, but at excelling in piety, purity, 
humility, modesty, diligence and fidelity in the 
duties of one's state of life. 



6 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIR GIN MA R Y 

It is a special privilege of the members that 
they can second the efforts of the Church to 
counteract the spirit of religious indifference, 
so common in our age, by keeping the 
practices which have distinguished the Sodality 
where its purposes have been fully carried out. 

In the history of the Sodality we find that 
its members have been the apostles of all good 
works, especially among men and boys. They 
should promote such undertakings, for example, 
as the Apostleship of Prayer, the Communion 
of Reparation, the Adoration of the Blessed 
Sacrament, the recitation of the Rosary, and 
the attendance at Retreats and Missions, such 
Catholic Works as the Propagation of the 
Faith, the Holy Childhood, Catholic cir- 
culating libraries. They should be eager to 
encourage and help Catholic schools, to teach 
catechism to the poor and to abandoned chil- 
dren, help in the work of Sunday-schools, pro- 
mote parochial and diocesan interests by lend- 
ing their influence and their active co-operation 
to the ecclesiastical authorities. 

The practical charity exercised in visiting 
the poor and the sick, both in their homes and 
in hospitals, will be a great safeguard for all, 
and, in particular, for young men, and even 
for men of mature age, against the seductions 
of vice and the dangers of idleness. 

A true Sodalist will always be an apostle of 



PR A CTICES 



7 



charity in aiding the needy to find employ- 
ment, in helping to form associations that will 
save boys and girls, young men and young 
women, from being led into error and vice — in 
a word, by striving in every way, by word, by 
influence, and by example, to check the spread 
of religious indifference, to discourage the 
reading of dangerous publications, to thwart 
the cunning tactics of secret societies, which 
are apt to deceive the unwary by their specious 
pretexts of mutual help. Wherever its mem- 
bers have been true to those duties which are 
embraced in its general aim and purpose, the 
Sodality has been found to be a real power for 
the defence of the Church and of Christian 
society. 

Two things are painfully clear not only to 
priests actively engaged in the sacred ministry, 
but also to every practical Catholic layman. 
Now that the masses are either being estranged 
from the Church by indifference or irreligion, 
or kept from its services by the endless toil im- 
posed upon them by unscrupulous masters, the 
Church must seek them out and go to minister 
to them in their workshops and meeting places. 
This can best be done by Sodalities in which 
the more favored children of the Church will 
unite to act as the agents of her priests, who 
cannot possibly reach all. Again, the social- 
istic tendencies of our age must be counter- 



8 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

acted, or at least directed to seek the welfare, 
instead of the ruin, of human society. The 
Sodality, uniting men as it does, to influence 
one another for good, and that under the pat- 
ronage of our Blessed Mother, is a most effec- 
tual means of doing this. 

IV.— Benefits of the Sodality. 

Besides the mutual help of good example, of 
counsel and exhortation, and the general influ- 
ence of the pious practices of the Sodality, 
Pope Benedict XIV. points out the great ad- 
vantage of the particular protection of our 
Lady, which is most liberally granted to those 
who make special profession of devotion to her. 

St. Alphonsus Liguori says that, in the 
course of their missions, he and his com- 
panions had much experience of the benefits 
of the Sodality. ''Generally speaking," he 
;says, ''we find more sins in one man who 
does not belong to the Sodality than in 
twenty who are members of it. " And again : 
'• Mary will protect her Sodalists, in life and 
in death, as her devoted servants and her be- 
loved children. . . . The Sodality produces 
such admirable results and blessed fruit because 
its members are provided in it with so many 
effective weapons against the assaults of the 
enemy." 



PRINCIPAL IXDULGEXCES 



9 



'^We may apply to the Sodality/' wrote 
Father Stephen Binet, S.J., what St. Bernard 
said of the religious life. In it : 

1. Men lead a purer life. 

2. They fall into sin less often. 

3. If they do fall, the fall is less serious. 

4. They rise again more easily. 

5. They walk more cautiously. 

6. ^' They enjoy more tranquil rest. 

7. Their souls are more abundantly wat- 
ered with the dews of grace and the favors of 
heaven. 

8. They make satisfaction to God, and 
avoid purgatory more easily. 

9. ^^They die with more confidence and 
resignation. 

10. They are more gloriously crowned in 
heaven." 

" This," he says, ^^is the decalogue of our 
Lady's Sodality; these are the ten great privi- 
leges she grants to all those who practise faith- 
fully what they promise when they are enrolled 
in the SodaHty." 

V. — Principal Indulgences. 

(For Sodalities affiliated to the Roman Prima 

Primaria, ) 

1. Plenary, i. On the day of admission. 

2. At the hour of death. 



10 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

3. On the feasts of Christmas and the Ascen- 
sion; the Immaculate Conception, Nativity, 
Annunciation, Purification, and Assumption of 
the Blessed Virgin. 

4. On the weekly meeting day, or, if there 
is more than one meeting a week, on the day 
of Communion. 

5. Once or twice a year, on making a gen- 
eral confession or review. 

6. The Indulgences of the Stations at Rome, 
on condition of a visit to the church and 
there saying the Our Father and Hail Mary 
seven times. 

II. Partial, i. vSeven years and seven quar- 
antines for attendance at Christian burials, and 
at public or private devotions for the dead, pro- 
vided the latter devotion be approved by the 
Director. 

2. The same Indulgence for hearing Mass on 
week-days and for the evening examination of 
conscience ; also for visiting the sick and prison- 
ers and reconciling enemies. 

III. A Plenary Indulgence to all, even if not 
members of the Sodality, who visit a church 
or chapel of the Sodality, on the Feast of the 
Annunciation, or of affiliated Sodalities on the 
feast of their chief titles ; also on the Secondary 
Patron's feast or on a day appointed by the 
Director, if the Sodality has no secondary 
patron. 



ERECTION AND A GGREGA TION 1 1 

IV. These Indulgences are applicable to the 
souls in purgatory, and can be gained by the 
members in any church on the usual conditions. 
Moreover, the altar of the Sodality is privi- 
leged. 

VI. — Erection and Aggregation. 

I. Sodalities may be erected in any church, 
chapel, college, school, seminary, or other in- 
stitution. Even in the same place several 
Sodalities may be erected for different classes 
of persons. 

II. When a Sodality is to be canonically 
erected and aggregated to the Roman Prima 
Pri7na7'ia, the canonical erection may be ob- 
tained from the Ordinary and then application 
for the aggregation is made to the Father Gen- 
eral of the Society of Jesus. Or, with the con- 
sent of the Ordinary, both canonical erection 
and aggregation may be obtained from the 
Father General, and they are effected by one and 
the same diploma. In either case, the consent 
of the Ordinary must be had, and, if possible, 
should be in writing. 

III. The consent of the Ordinary being ob- 
tained, application is to be made to a Provincial 
of the Society of Jesus. Those who make ap- 
plication should specify the following items : 

I . Class of persons : for example, students^ 
men, women, young*men, young women. 



12 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

2. Chief title of Sodality, which must be 
some feast or mystery of the Blessed Virgin : 
as the Immaculate Conception, Annunciation. 

3. Secondary Patron : as St. Aloysius, St. 
Agnes. 

4. Name of church or chapel. 

5. Name of city or town, and state. 

6. Name of diocese. 

7. Name of Director appointed by the Ordi- 
nary. 

8. Whether the Sodality has any special 
statutes; and if so, whether they have been 
approved by the Ordinary, and what they are. 

9. The date of the approbation, or of ' the 
erection and approbation, by the Ordinary. 

There will always be some unavoidable delay 
before the diploma can be forwarded to the ap- 
plicant, as in each case, the aggregation must 
be obtained from the Father General of the So- 
ciety of Jesus before a diploma can be issued. 
Instructions for erection and aggregation of 
I Sodalities will be sent to applicants on request 
made to the nearest Provincial of the Society 
of Jesus. 

VII. — Direction of the Sodality. 

I. (^) The Director of the Sodality must be 
a priest appointed by the Ordinary. Should 
the office and powers of director be entrusted 
to the parish-priest, chaplain, or other official, 



DIRECTION 



13 



according to a decree of the Congregation of 
Indulgences, they devolve on his successor un- 
less the Ordinary makes a new appointment. 

(Z^) Concerning the other officers of the 
Sodality, the m.anner of their election, their 
duties, and other particulars, full information 
will be found in the Statutes and Rules of the 
Sodality. 

2. Some time of probation should, generally 
speaking, precede reception into the Sodality ; 
those who are on probation may, hovvever, be 
allowed to attend the common exercises, and 
thus gain a share in the Indulgences and other 
favors. 

3. The reception of new members should 
take place, if convenient, on some feast of the 
Blessed Virgin, and according to the cere- 
monial printed in the following pages. It 
is to be noted that the formula by which the 
new members are actually admitted is to be 
pronounced not by the Prefect, but by the Di- 
rector who may, for a good reason, e, g. , for 
greater solemnity, delegate any priest in his 
stead. 

4. The names of the members should always 
be registered, and only in very exceptional 
cases can one who is absent be received. 

5. It is earnestly recommended to Directors 
of Sodalities : first, to procure printed diplo- 
mas of membership, as also to distribute a 



14 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

leaflet or card containing a summary of the In- 
dulgences and the order of exercises at the 
weekly meetings ; secondly, to have a Sodality 
register, to contain (^a) the written approbation 
of the Ordinary ; (^) the act of erection, if the 
Sodality is erected by the Ordinary, or a 
record of the erection and aggregation; the 
Statutes of the Sodality ; (^/) the name, and 
dLte of admission, of each member; the 
more important decisions of the officers and 
the noteworthy events in the history of the 
Sodality. 

VIII.— Useful Hints. 

1. The Starting of the Sodality. — The 
first thing to be done is to apply to the Ordi- 
nary of the Diocese for his approval. This 
approval gives the right to form a Sodality un- 
der the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
and to claim the recognition and protection of 
the Church. If the Ordinary wishes to erect 
the Sodality himself, his approval is asked to 
aggregate it to the Roman Priiiia Prunaria^ If 
he merely approves the project, both canonical 
erection and aggregation may be obtained from 
the Father General of the Society of Jesus, by 
applying to one of the Provincials of the 
Society. 

2. Its Erection. — The erection is nothing 
more than the act of the Ordinary, or of the 



USEFUL HINTS 



15 



Father General of the Society of Jesus with 
the Ordinary's consent, giving legal existence 
to the Sodality. 

3. Its Aggregation. — Aggregation com- 
municates to the Sodality the privileges 'and 
Indulgences of the Prima Fri7naria, head and 
mother of all the Sodalities. 

4. Its Treasury — Only after the aggrega- 
tion has been obtained can the Sodality draw 
on the treasury of Indulgences granted to it by 
the Holy See. 

5. Its Organization. — As soon as possible 
after its erection the Sodality should be organ- 
ized by the election of officers. 

6. Postulants. — It would be well to have 
a regular reception of postulants, at the begin- 
ning of their probation, which should last two or 
three months, at least, though this may be left 
to the discretion of the Director. 

7. Reception of Members. — The lawfully 
appointed Director only, or a priest deputed 
by him, is to receive the members, and it be- 
longs to him, not to the Prefect, to pronounce 
the formula by which the members are actually 
admitted. 

8. Essentials of Reception. — {^a) Except 
in extraordinary cases, the person to be re- 
ceived must be present. (^) He must be will- 
ing to enter the Sodality, (r) The Director 
must be willing to receive him. 



1 6 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

9. Membership. — Each member's name must 
be entered on the Sodality register. It is also 
customary, though not necessary, to invest the 
new member with the medal of the Sodality. 

10. Transfer Certificates. — Each Sodal- 
ity should keep a supply of Transfer Certificates 
which should be given to those who leave the 
Sodality on account of change of residence or 
for any other good reason. This certificate 
will obtain for him entrance into any other 
Sodality without new probation, provided the 
Sodality is composed of the same or a similar 
class of persons, and has been aggregated to 
the Roman F7^ima Prwiaria. 

11. Success of the Sodality. — The suc- 
cess of the Sodality will depend upon the 
fidelity of the members in the observance of 
its rules, upon their regularity in receiving the 
Sacraments, upon the proper probation and re- 
ception of members, and upon the regular 
holding and attendance of the meetings. 

12. Direction of Sodality. — The Direc- 
tors of Sodalities will find abundant matter for 
instructions and readings suitable to the Sodal- 
ity in the Bulls of the Popes concerning the So- 
dality, in the lives of Saints and distinguished 
Catholics who have been Sodalists, and in the 
devout Catholic literature and theology on the 
Blessed Virgin Mary. 



OF THE 

Roman Prima Primaria*^ 



CHAPTER I. 

COMMON RULES. 

I. — Object. 

Since it is from the most Blessed Virgin, Mother 
of God, chief patroness of this Sodality, we are 
to expect patronage and protection — as she is the Mother 
of Mercy, loving those that love her, guardian and pro- 
tectress of those who piously and religiously seek her aid, 
it is of the highest importance that the members of her 
Sodality should not only greatly venerate, and in a very 
special manner honor her, but also seek, by the blame- 
less conduct of their lives, to imitate the example of 
her wonderful virtues, and to excite each other to love 
her. 

The accomplishment of all this will be greatly facili- 
tated by the observance of the rules which it has been 
thought good to have committed to writing, so that, as 
far as possible, they may be common to all the Sodalities 
in union with that of Rome. 

It is, however, permitted to each Sodality to have, be- 
sides these rules, others peculiar to itself, such as it may 
consider suited to the various circumstances of place and 
persons. 

II. — Constitution. 



The Sodality shall be governed by the Superior 
of the place in which it shall be established, and 

(17) 



1 8 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VI R GIN MARY 

by the Prefect of the Sodality itself, aided by the 
counsel of two assistants. To these shall be added 
twelve consultors, one of whom shall act as secretary. 
The number of consultors may, on account of the small 
number of members, be reduced to six; besides these, 
other inferior officers shall be elected according to the 
wants of each Sodality. But all shall pay due reverence, 
not only to the Director of the Sodality, but also to the 
Prefect and other officers, according to the rank of each, 
and shall obey them in all things relating to the Sodality. 
But when any impediment shall occur, they shall, as soon 
as possible, give notice to the Director or Prefect, that 
he may give charge of the matter to some other officer 
or member. 

III. — Frequentation of the Sacraments. 

As the end of this Sodality is virtue and Christian 
piety, for the attainment of which end the frequen- 
tation of the sacraments is of the greatest utility, they 
who wish to join the Sodality shall, before they are 
received, purify their souls from sin by an ordinary 
or general confession, as their confessor shall judge 
better in the Lord. Then all the members are to 
know that they should receive the sacrament of 
Penance and the Blessed Eucharist at least once a 
month, and also on certain feasts and solemnities of our 
Lord and His most Blessed Mother. However, the 
principal officers — that is to say, the Prefect, Assistants, 
Secretary, and Consultors — should go to confession, and, 
unless their spiritual director judge otherwise, receive 
the Blessed Eucharist more frequently than the other 
members, who should derive edification from their 
example. 

IV. — Choice of a Confessor. 

As far as possible, let an ordinary confessor be chosen, 
who, once that he has been selected by any one, must 



COMMON RULES 



19 



not without good reason be changed. To him let each 
one unreservedly manifest the state of his conscience, 
and in all things that concern the direction of his con- 
science let each one allow himself to be guided and ruled 
by him. 

V. — Order of the Sodality Meetings. 

On Sundays and also on holidays of obligation 
all shall in the morning be present at the meeting 
of the Sodality, when they shall give about an hour 
and a half to spiritual exercises, according to the 
manner prescribed by the Director and Prefect. This 
shall be the usual manner of proceeding : [a^ They 
shall begin with the reading of some pious book, 
which shall be read until all, or nearly all, the mem- 
bers have assembled; ^b) then part of the Office of the 
Blessed Virgin shall be said or sung ; (r) then a brief ex- 
hortation on i*Qatters tending to the spiritual progress of 
the members shall be given by the Director of the Sodal- 
ity ; ^d) the exhortation shall be followed by the most 
holy Sacrifice of the Mass, after which, having recited 
the litanies or other prayers, according to the custom of 
each Sodality, the members may adjourn ; (e^ but they 
who have received Holy Communion shall spend at least 
a quarter of an hour in thanksgiving ; ) those Sodali- 
ties that have the custom of meeting again in the after- 
noon may, at that time, give a half hour or a little more 
to exercises similar to those of the morning. 

\T. — The Celebration of the Feasts of Our Lord and of 
His Blessed Mother. 

But since the members of the Sodality should make it 
their principal study to please God, and after Him the 
Blessed Virgin, as they are dedicated to her and belong 
to her by very special titles, the Director and Prefect 
should spare no efforts to procure the increase and ex- 



20 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R V 



tension of this devotion. They therefore shall take care 
that the more solemn feasts of our Lord and of the 
Virgin Mother of God be celebrated by the members of 
the Sodality with peculiar fervor and devotion. This 
devotion will be increased if, during the nine days pre- 
ceding those feasts the members prepare and dispose 
themselves by some special observances, and, above all, 
by holy meditations. That this may the more easily be 
done by them, let the points of meditation and the ob- 
servances be prescribed for each day, and let them, 
unless the expense be considered too great, be placed 
before the members in print, or read at a convenient time 
in the Sodality. 

VII. — Pious Observances. 

Where the custom exists each member shall bring to 
the Sodality a list of the observances he ^as practised 
during those days — but without signing his name — and 
shall put it into a box or urn prepared for that purpose ; 
and these lists, having been reduced to order and copied 
into a book, shall be publicly read instead of the usual 
exhortation. Let them be read, if possible, on the day 
immediately preceding the solemn feasts, to the end that 
all may, by the recollection of what they have heard, be 
very much incited to increased fervor and devotion. The 
members must also know that they will render them- 
selves very pleasing to the ever Blessed Virgin by not 
only making use of these practices on the above-men- 
tioned days, but also by seeking every day, by some 
pious practice, to render the Mother of God propitious to 
them. 

VIII. — Spiritual Reading. 

As the reading of pious books is so highly approved of 
by the Holy Fathers, and is so powerful a help to spiritual 
progress, it must, therefore, be frequently used by the 
members of the Sodality. For this purpose let the 



COMMON RULES 



21 



Sodality have, if possible, a library supplied with such 
books and well filled in proportion to the number of 
members, from which they may, with permission of the 
Director, take books to be read afterwards at home. Let 
the person who shall have been appointed to this office 
by the Director distribute the books. 

IX. — Annual Retreat. 

Every year the Director shall appoint a time during 
w^hich they shall go through the Spiritual Exercises of 
St. Ignatius. An exact account of them shall be set 
before the members, that they may know what is to be 
done during each hour of the spiritual exercises ; and 
this order all shall, with religious diligence, observe. He 
who gives the spiritual exercises to the assembled mem- 
bers should exhort them especially to make a good con- 
fession. To this end some short points of meditation 
may be proposed to them, generally on the use and fre- 
quentation of the sacraments, on the obligations of each 
one's state, on the choice of a state in life, and on other 
similar subjects that may especially at such a time be of 
use to them and assist them. 

The exercises in the Sodality will be gone through 
somewhat in this manner: — (^z) They may begin with 
the reading of some book treating of those matters that 
are to form the subject of meditation; (b) after the 
reading, he who gives the exercises shall propose an 
examenonthe matters mentioned above, i^c ) the examien 
shall be followed by the points of meditation ; (^d) after 
which all shall be present at the holy Sacrifice of the 
Mass ; then, (<f) after the -psalm Miserere shsill have been 
sung, but in a low voice, and with such inflections of 
tone as may tend to produce compunction, all the mem- 
bers may retire ; ( / ) nearly the same order of exercise 
shall be followed in the afternoon. The time of Lent, 
unless the Director of the Sodality shall judge otherwise, 



22 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



seems to be the time specially suited to these exercises ; 
(^) three or four, or even a greater number of days, ac- 
cording as the Director shall have decided, having been 
thus spent, all shall on the following morning be present 
at the meeting of the Sodality, and receive together the 
most Sacred Body of Christ ; and let all the members 
take care that not even the least particle of that time, 
so specially acceptable, be wasted through any fault of 
theirs; (/z) let them reconsider at home what they 
have heard in the Sodality, and let them give much more 
time to reading and meditation than they are accustomed 
to do at other times when not engaged in the spiritual 
exercises. 

X. — Regular Attendance. 

The greatest care must also be taken that the meet- 
ings of the Sodality be not omitted for any slight cause. 
But if anything should occur on account of which it may 
seem that on that day the meeting should not take place, 
it shall be the province of the Director to decide on the 
sufficiency of the cause, and having examined the matter 
in the Lord, and having attentively considered it, he shall 
decide as shall seem to him most expedient. 

The days on which meetings of the Sodality usually 
take place are nearly all Sundays, solemn feasts, as the 
Nativity of Christ our Lord; the Circumcision, the 
Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi; all Feasts 
OF THE most Blessed Virgin that are of obligation, 
and the leasts of the Apostles. Besides these the fe&st 
of St. Joseph, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, 
the feasts of St. Lawrence and of St. Aloysius. On 
these days the meeting is never omitted, unless, perhaps, 
on Christmas day and Corpus Christi. 

XL — Record of Attendance. 
They who, on the days and at the times appointed for 



COMMON RULES 



23 



meeting, shall have been absent, must, as soon as pos- 
sible, explain the cause of their absence to the Director, 
who is to judge whether the cause be sufficient or not ; 
and if he finds them to have been in fault, he may ad- 
monish them as shall seem good to him ; and for such 
absence, or for other defects, he may for a certain time 
prohibit their attendance at meetings, as shall be judged 
most conducive to the good of the Sodality and the glory 
of our Lord ; and that the absence of any person may 
the more certainly and readily be known, the Sodality 
shall keep a book for the purpose, and in it the days 
during that year on which meetings are to take place, and 
the names of the members shall be so written that the 
absence of any one may easily be marked ; though all 
should have so great a devotion to the Blessed Virgin, 
and so great a care of their own spiritual progress, as to 
have little need of these or similar admonitions. 

XII. — Decorations to be Moderate. 

In regard to festivities and decoration of the chapel 
and altar, during the course of the year, as well as other 
expenses, it is proper that each Sodality, according to 
the number of its members, should consider maturely 
what is expedient. They should be moderate in their 
expenses, and not exhaust their means in unnecessary 
decorations, but use them rather in a manner more con- 
ducive to the greater glory of God and of His Blessed 
Mother. Therefore, each Sodality, with the advice and 
approval of the Father Director, shall make rules, on this 
subject, which will cause the funds to be expended for 
the purchase of those things which are most recommended 
in these constitutions. 

XIII. — Daily Exercises of Piety. 

As soon as they have risen in the morning, and have 
given thanks to God for all the benefits received from his 



24 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Divine Majesty, especially during the past night, they 
shall make the Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity; and 
recite three times the Our Father and Hail Mary^ in 
honor of the ^lost Holy Trinity, and once the Apostles^ 
Creeu^ and the antiphon, Hail^ Holy Queen, Mother of 
Mercy, besides other prayers, which each one may say 
as directed by his Confessor. They should not be satis- 
fied with these prayers, but they should endeavor to spend 
at least a quarter of an hour in mental prayer or medita- 
tion, and hear Mass. At night, they should make an 
examination of conscience and an Act of Contrition for 
the sins of that day ; then they should say the Our 
Father, the Hail Mary, and the De Frofundis for the 
souls of the faithful departed. 

XIV. — Pious Practices. 

All the members are exhorted, as they profess greater 
perfection than others, to show greater earnestness, too, 
in pious and Christian practices, as, for instance, to con- 
fess their sins more frequently ; to approach oftener the 
Holy Eucharist ; to recite the Office, and the Rosary of 
the Blessed Virgin ; also, to visit prisons, if the circum- 
stances of the place and persons make it practicable ; 
sometimes to visit hospitals, and especially on the days 
preceding some great feast of our Lord or the Blessed 
Virgin. These and similar works of piety they may 
undertake, and in these each member, according to his 
position and devotion, may be exercised, or the whole 
Sodality collectively, as shall have been arranged and 
advised by the Director. 

XV. — Visitation of the Sick and Prayers for the Dead. 

If any of the members be dangerously sick, the Director 
and Prefect shall take care that he be visited and strength- 
ened by the reception of the holy Sacraments of the 
Church ; and all shall in their prayers recommend him 



COMMOy RULES 



25 



to the Lord. In case of his death, if that praiseworthy 
custom of attending the funeral of members exists in the 
Sodality, let them not neglect giving this example of 
Christian piety. Then, on the first convenient day, the 
Office of the Dead shall be recited for him, either by all 
assembled at the meeting of the Sodality, or, at least, 
each one shall recite it in private. Every day during the 
octave each member shall recite for him the psalm De 
Profundis, with the Prayer for the Dead. Finally, the 
whole Sodality shall have the Sacrifice of the Mass oftered 
up for him once at the altar of the Sodality, which, for the 
dead of the Sodality, is privileged. 

XVI.— Letters Patent of the Sodality. 

If it should ever happen that any member of the Sodal- 
ity has to make a journey, let him give information of 
it to the Director and Prefect, and ask them for letters 
patent, so that he may be received as a member of the 
Sodalities that may exist in the place to which he goes ; 
and since, even during his absence, he is a sharer in the 
merits of the Sodality, it is becoming that he should oc- 
casionally give others news of himself and of all that 
concerns him, writing to the Prefect and recommending 
himself to the prayers of the members. But wherever 
he may be, let him take care to show himself a true mem- 
ber of the Sodality, and endeavor, by the blamelessness 
of his conduct and the example of his life, to edify all and 
lead them to virtue. 

XVII — Fraternal Union and Charity. 

Let them all love one another with true and sincere 
charity, and be careful to preserve peace and fraternal 
concord, and, day after day, to advance in the practice of 
true and Christian virtue. They will be greatly assisted 
to the attainment of this end by frequenting the meetings 
of the Sodality, by not neglecting its pious exercises, by 



26 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

often seeking the society of those whose conversation 
may be useful, by avoiding bad company, and all occa- 
sions that might in any way be injurious, as, for example, 
plays, quarrels, strifes, complaints, and other things of 
the kind that would injure the good name and reputation 
of the Sodality. Let them, on the contrary, try so to 
bear themselves on all occasions as to be thought worthy 
of being under the special protection of the Most Blessed 
Virgin. 

XVIII.—Reading of the Rules. 

These rules should be read after each election of 
officers, to remind the members of their duty ; and each 
Sodalist should try to observe them most carefully, with- 
out neglecting the observance of such other rules and 
customs as may have been adopted by the Sodality to 
which he belongs. The officers, however, should read 
their rules more frequently, and be zealous in the dis- 
charge of the duties therein prescribed or recommended. 

N. B. These rules, approved for the Prima Primaria in 
Rome, may be modified in the application of details, accord- 
ing to the circumstances of each Sodality. 



CHAPTER II. 

ELECTION OF THE OFFICERS OF THE SODALITY 

I. The Prefect and other officers shall be elected once 
(or at most twice) a year on solemn feasts of the Blessed 
Virgin. The Director of the Sodality, the Prefect, Assist- 
ants, Consultors, and Secretary shall meet, and after 
having recited the Veni Creator^ with the usual prayers, 
and taken the votes, they shall select out of the whole 
Sodality three members who are noted for the example 
of their virtues and their reputation for goodness. Then 
let these be proposed to the whole Sodality ; he that shall 



ELECTION OF OFFICERS 



27 



obtain the greatest number of votes shall be declared Pre- 
fect, the others shall be declared First and Second Assist- 
ant, according to the number of votes given for each. 
The Director of the Sodality and the Prefect shall take 
the votes. In a similar manner shall the Consultors and 
Secretary be chosen, but they shall not be proposed to 
the general meeting of the Sodality. 

2. The Treasurer, Sacristan, Porter, and other inferior 
officers that may be required, according to the custom of 
each Sodality, may be selected by the Director and Prefect, 
together with the Assistants and Secretary, regard being 
had to the regularity of their attendance and the edihca- 
tion they give. 

At the commencement of each Prefect's term of office 
all the officers, as well inferior as the superior, shall be 
changed, unless the Director and Prefect judge it better 
to do otherwise, which must not be without sufficient 
cause. 

3. All the officers of the Sodality, superior and in- 
ferior, having been elected in this manner, their names 
shall be publicly announced in the Sodality on some feast 
of the Blessed Virgin. For greater devotion and solem- 
nity the Director of the Sodality may confer on each 
officer the peculiar insignia of his charge. The Secretary, 
therefore, shall read aloud the names of the officers in 
the order in which they shall have been elected, and ac- 
cording to the rank and dignity of each. Let him whose 
name shall be read out, go to the Director, and, kneeling 
before him, receive from him the insignia of his office, 
and let the Director exhort him to discharge its duties 
with all becoming care and diligence, and very briefly 
explain the nature of the office to which he has been 
appointed. 

The names of all the officers having been thus an- 
nounced, either the Director of the Sodality or some one 
else shall address all the members of the Sodality, and 



28 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VI R GIN MARY 



exhort them to regular attendance at the meetings, to 
observance of the rules, to devotion to the Blessed Virgin 
and love of her, and especially to the imitation of her 
virtues. 

4. Should the Prefect die during his term of office, or, 
for some other reason, be unable to fulfil his duties, the 
Father Director shall substitute another in his place, 
unless he should think it preferable to hold a new 
election. This latter mode should be adopted when the 
usual time for the election is near at hand. The same 
should be observed in reference to the other officers. 



CHAPTER III. 

PARTICULAR RULES OF THE OFFICERS. 

I. — Rules of the Prefect of the Sodality. 

1. As the Prefect takes precedence in rank and office, 
and claims the first place after the Director, so should 
he excel the other members of the Sodality in virtue. 
Wherefore, he should observe with the greatest dili- 
gence not only the rules of his own office but also the 
common rules, those especially that relate to the fre- 
quentation of the sacraments, confessing his sins, and 
receiving the Blessed Eucharist more frequently than the 
others; and he should take care to advance the Sodality 
in the way of virtue and Christian perfection, more by 
example even than by words. 

2. He must always attend the meetings at the times 
appointed, and should some time beforehand carefully pre- 
pare all that is required for the usual spiritual exercises, 
as shall have been agreed on between him and the Direc- 
tor. But if for some good reason he cannot attend, let him 
as soon as possible give notice to the Director, then the 



PA R TICULA R R ULE:-> OF THE OFFICERS 2 9 



First Assistant, or, in his absence, the Second, shall take 
the Prefect's place. 

3. Although the Prefect has charge of the Sodality, 
let him, nevertheless, know that he is subject to the 
Director, by whom he is always to be guided in whatever 
is to be done. Wherefore, he must not change or do away 
with any custom whatever ; neither shall he make any new 
arrangements without the knowledge and approval of the 
said Director, in order that in the Sodality the greater 
glory of our Lord and of the Virgin Mother of God may 
be more carefully and peaceably procured. 

4. He shall take care that the common rules shall be 
read in the Sodality whenever the names of a new Prefect 
and new officers are announced ; but, above all, let him 
take care that they be observed by all. Let him seek 
to make the other officers under him, especially the Assist- 
ants, the Secretary, and the twelve or six Consullors, ob- 
serve each the rules of his own charge. Let him have 
the names of those members that attend the meeting 
marked during the meeting. Let him see that a book 
be kept containing the names of the members, whether 
present or absent, written according to the method already 
prescribed in the eleventh of the Common Rules; also 
another book in which shall be written the day and year 
that the various officers were appointed ; and a third book 
in which it shall be recorded on what day and in what 
year each member was received, and, if it can be ascer- 
tained, the date of each one's death. 

5. If any of the members fall sick, the Prefect should 
see that they be visited in the name of the Sodality. If 
the sickness increase, he should have prayers off'ered for 
him by all. In case there be danger of death, it shall 
be his duty to see that the sick Sodalist be strength- 
ened with the Sacraments of the Church ; and if he 
should depart this life, he should have the prescribed 
prayers said for the relief of his soul. 



30 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



6. He shall sign, with the Father Director, the certifi- 
cates of raembership issued to the Socialists. If any of 
the Socialists, on account of grievous faults, are to be dis- 
missed from the Sodality, the Prefect shall do nothing 
without consulting the Father Director, and ^ct only 
according to his opinion and advice. 

II. — Rules of the Assistants. 

1. It shall be the duty of the Assistants to help the 
Prefect, by word and action, in the government of the 
Sodality. Hence it is proper that they agree in opinion 
with him, so that, by union of mind, the Sodality may 
the better succeed. 

2, They must be present at all public and private 
meetings ; and when the Prefect is absent, the First As- 
sistant will take his place : and if both are absent, the 
Second will fulfil the duties of the Prefect They should 
often confer with the Father Director and the Prefect 
about things regarding the spiritual progress of the So- 
dality, and promote the same by word and example as 
much as they are able, with the help of divine grace. 

III. — Rules of the Secretary. 

1. The Secretary shall be present at all consultations. 
He shall record, in a book for that purpose, the more 
important proceedings ; he shall, however, first show a 
copy of the minutes to the Father Director and the Pre- 
fect, 

2. He shall keep the records with care and diligence. 
He shall not make known to any one what has been de- 
termined in the consultations ; and he should know how 
to keep silence, of which the very name of his oftice re- 
minds him. 



PARTICULAR RULES OF THE OFFICERS 



3. It shall be his business to write the letters, orders, 
and other usual documents, and also to sign them and 
seal them with the ordinary seal of the Sodality, acting 
in all things with the advice of the Director and Prefect. 



IV. — Rules of the Consultors. 

Let some members of the Sodality be chosen for this 
office according to the rules for elections. There maybe 
twelve when the Sodality has many members, but six 
only, when the members are not numerous. 

It shall be their business to assist the Prefect in the 
consultations and in the administration of the Sodality, 
and on that account they should be selected from those 
more advanced in age and of more tried virtue. In giv- 
ing their opinions let them always have in view the 
greater glory of God and of His Virgin Mother and the 
spiritual progress of the Sodality, and let them never al- 
low themselves, through want of impartiality, to deviate 
from what is just. As has already been frequently said, 
let them seek to excel the other members in conduct as 
they do in rank. 

V. — Rules of the Treasurer. 

The Treasurer shall make no expenditure whatever 
without the order of the Director. Let him keep a book 
I in which the account of receipts and expenditures shall 
be carefully entered, which he shall produce and show 
;' to the Father Director as often as he may desire. Let 
j him take care not to ask in the name of the Sodality 
j anything for any one, either for the ordinary or extraor- 
I dinary expenses of the Sodality ; but he must be satisfied 
I with the money given by all the members, according to 
the custom, and the money that each, of his own liberal- 
ity, gives when there is a meeting of the Sodality. 

I 



32 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



VI. — Rules of the Librarian. 

The Sodality library and the books in it are confided 
to his care. Let him understand how important this 
charge is, and how much in the fulfilment of his duties 
he may serve the other members by his diligence or in- 
jure them by his neglect. After the meeting he shall 
give out the books to the members. Let him keep a 
carefully written catalogue of all the books, and let him 
place it where it may be seen by all, or show it to those 
who may ask to see it, so that each one having read it 
may get from the library any book he may select. But 
he shall give no book to any one without first seeing that 
he who gets the book shall write on a sheet of paper his 
own name and surname, the title of the book, and the 
day, month, and year the book was taken. The Libra- 
rian shall keep this paper till such time as the other shall 
return the book. 

He shall not allow any one to take home two books at 
the same time, nor shall he allow any one to keep any 
book beyond a specified time ; but, when they have been 
notified, all must bring back to the library any books 
they have taken out. 

VIL— Rules of Those that Visit the Sick. 

As it would often be impossible for the Prefect to visit 
in person all the members that might be sick, especially 
if it should happen that many fall sick at the same time, 
it is necessary that he should have some of the members 
to aid and assist him in so pious and holy a work. Their 
number shall be fixed by the Director, who will select 
those whom he knows to be, on account of their age and 
piety, best suited for this charge. Their business shall 
be to visit frequently the sick members of the Sodality, 
to make themselves accurately acquainted with their 
state, and to give to the Director and Prefect information 
of what they have learned, also to pray earnestly to God 



PARTICULAR RULES OF THE OFFICERS 



for the sick, and to see that they are assisted by the 
common prayers of the whole Sodahty. If the sickness 
become dangerous, let them give notice, as soon as possi- 
ble, to the Director and Prefect, that they, as their office 
requires of them, may assist the sick person, and by all 
means in their power take care that a member of the 
Sodality dangerously sick do not die without being 
strengthened by the Sacraments of the Church. It will 
be useful, not only frequently to visit the sick who are 
confined to bed, but also to seek the company of those 
who are recovering, and this they should do in such a 
manner as to console in the Lord the sick persons by 
their spiritual conversation, and at the same time to 
cheer them. 

VIII. — Rules of the Sacristans. 

There shall be two, three, or four Sacristans, accord- 
ing to the number of the members. They should be 
convinced that in this charge and office they serve God, 
and after Him, His Virgin ^Mother; wherefore let them 
not think it beneath them to attend to the cleanliness of 
the chapel or place of meeting of the Sodality, or to un- 
dertake the like humble office at the meeting itself. 

Let them be particularly careful that the vestments 
and everything that is used at the holy Sacrifice of the 
Mass be properly prepared and be as neat as possible. 
Let a list of all the furniture of the Sodality be written 
in a little book, which those going out of office shall 
hand over to their successors, showing them at the same 
time where each article is to be kept. All things belong- 
ing to their charge should be seemly, and properly ar- 
ranged, and they should have them locked, and the 
keys should be kept by the Director. 

They should not leave the place of meeting without 
cause and express leave of the Director, but should, with 
the others, be present at all the spiritual exercises of the 
Sodality. They should incur no expense whatever with- 



34 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



out the knowledge and advice of the Director. Let 
them also avoid rare and costly decorations, which the 
Director, in his prudence, shall either altogether forbid, 
or at least so moderate that they may be procured with 
the least possible expense. 

IX. — Rules of the Reader. 

The Reader' s duty is to open the meeting of the So- 
dality with spiritual reading ; he shall, therefore, be very 
punctual in his attendance at the proper time. He 
shall read only such books as are assigned by the 
Father Director. As soon as the new officers are pro- 
claimed after the election, the Reader shall read the 
common rules. He should read slowly, distinctly, and 
with a clear voice ; pausing occasionally, that the matter 
read may be the more easily understood, and be im- 
pressed on the minds of those that hear it. Hence, he 
should call to mind the importance of spiritual reading, 
which not only contributes to betterment of life, but also 
leads to sincere devotion. 

Chanters may likewise be appointed, and their duty 
shall be to intone the Psalms, when the Office is sung. 

X. — Rules of the Doorkeeper, 

This officer shall likewise be as early as possible at 
the place of meeting. He should have the names of the 
Sodalists in alphabetical order, written either on a board 
or in a book, so that he may easily find the name of any, 
if necessary. This book: or board should be arranged in 
such a manner, that, by some signs indicated by the 
Father Director, the names of those may be marked who 
absent themselves from the meeting, or fail to approach 
Holy Communion on the appointed days. The book 
should be carefully kept ; and hence it should be in- 
trusted only to the care of one whose faithfulness and 
virtue are known to the Father Director. 



ADMISSION OF MEMBERS 



35 



CHAPTER IV. 

ADMISSION OF MEMBERS. 

1. When candidates present themselves for admission 
into the Sodality, the Director shall take means to ascer- 
tain their fitness for membership and then propose their 
application in a meeting of the Consultors. If they are 
accepted as Postulants, they may begin their term of 
probation, during which they may attend the meetings of 
the Sodality under the direction of the Instructor of 
Candidates. 

2. Before they are admitted as members, they must 
again be proposed to the Consultors, in order that from 
them and from the Instructor of Candidates the Director 
may learn whether they have given satisfaction during the 
term of probation. The Director and the Consultors shall 
decide whether they are to be rejected, to be kept longer 
on trial, or to be admitted. In any case, the consent of 
the Director is necessary ; for without his knowledge and 
approval nothing is valid. 

3. \\Tien the time for the admission of candidates is at 
hand, they should be admonished to prepare themselves 
for Confession and Communion, in order that they may 
gain the Plenary Indulgence granted to members on the 
day of their entrance into the Sodality. 

4. The Director will appoint the time for the cere- 
mony of reception, which may take place at any meeting 
of the Sodality, though some feast of the Blessed Virgin 
would obviously be the most fitting day. 

5 . The ceremony of reception should be made as impos- 
ing as possible. The church or chapel should have some- 
thing of a festive appearance, a discourse appropriate to 
the occasion should be given before the reception, and 
everything should tend to make the event a memorable 
one for those who take part in it. 



36 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MAR Y 



6. In Sodalities in which it is customary to admit can- 
didates to probation, with some formality, the following 
formula may be used : 

' ' Holy Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, I,N. , 
desiring to become one of thy privileged children, resolve, 
on this day, with the divine assistance, and aided by thy 
powerful intercession, to imitate thy virtues, that I may 
deserve to be received as a member of this Sodality, 
erected to thy honor and to the greater glory of thy 
divine Son. Amen. " 



CHAPTER V. 

THE SOLEMN RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS. 

Synopsis of the Ceremonial of Reception. 

1. Veni Creator, or Veni Sancte Spiritus, or a hymn to 
the Blessed Virgin. 

2. Sermon. 

3. Blessing of medals with which the new members are 
to be invested. 

4. The candidates' names are read, and they approach 
the altar rail. 

5. The candidates are questioned by the Director, as in 
ceremonial. 

6. The Veni Creator is recited. 

7. The candidates recite the Act of Consecration. 

8. The candidates are invested with the medals. 

9. The Magnificat or a hymn to the Blessed Virgin is 
sung. 

10. The Director announces the Plenary Indulgence 
attached to the Consecration, and the prayers (which may 



CEREMONY OF SOLEMN RE CEPTION 3 7 

be five Our Fathers and five Hail Jfarys) are recited for 
the intentions of the Pope. 

11. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, if permitted 
by the Ordinary. 

12. The ceremony may be concluded by the Te Deumt 

or Holy God^ we praise Thy 7ia7}ie. 

CHAPTER VI. 

CEREMONY OF SOLEMN RECEPTION. 

The Ve7ii Creator is intoned by the Celebrant, and con- 
tinued by the Choir. 

Veni Creator Spiritus Come, O Creator, ^Spirit 
blessed, 

Mentes tuorum visita, And in our souls take up 

Thy rest ; 

Imple superna gratia, Come with Thy grace and 

heavenly aid, 

Qu^ tu creasti pectora. To fill the hearts which 

Thou hast made. 

Qui diceris Paraclitus, Great Paraclete, to Thee 
we cry ; 

Altissimi donum Dei, O highest gift of God most 

high ! 

Fons vivus, ignis, charitas, O fount of life, O fire of 

love, 

Et spiritalis unctio. And sweet anointing from 

above ; 

Tu septiformis munere, Thou in Thy sevenfold 
gifts are known ; 
Digitus Paternae dexterse, The finger of God' s hand 

we own ; 



38 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Tu rite promissum Patris, The promise of the Father 

Thou, 

Sermone ditans guttura. Who dost the tongue with 

pow'r endow. 

Accende lumen sensibus Kindle our senses from 

above, 

Infunde amorem cordibus, And make our hearts o'er- 

flow with love, 

Infirma nostri corporis With patience firm, and 

virtue high, 

Virtute firmans perpeti. The weakness of our flesh 

supply. 



Hostem repellas longius, 

Pacemque dones protinus; 

Ductore sic te prsevio. 

Vitemus omne noxium. 
« 

Per te sciamus da Patrem, 
Noscamus at que Filium, 
Teque utriusque Spiritum . 
Credamus omni tempore. 

Deo Patri sit gloria, 
Et Filio, qui a mortuis 



Far from us drive the foe 

we dread. 
And grant us Thy true 

peace instead ; 
So shall we not, with Thee 

for guide. 
Turn from the path of life 

aside. 

Oh, may Thy grace on us 

bestow 

The Father and the Son to 
know. 

And Thee through endless 

times confessed 
Of both th' eternal Spirit 

blessed. 

All glory while the ages 
run. 

Be to the Father and the 
Son, 



CEREMONY OF SOLEMN RECEPTION 



Surrexit, ac Paraclito, 
In sseculorum saecula. 

Amen. 

V. Emitte Spiritum tuum, 
et creabuntur. (Alleluia.) 

R. Et renovabis faciem 
terrse. ( Alleluia. ) 



OrejiiMS. 

Deus, qui corda fidelium 
sancti Spiritus illustratione 
docuisti : da nobis in eo- 
dem Spiritu recta sapere, et 
de ejus semper consolatione 
gaudere. Per Christum, 
Dominum nostrum. Amen. 



Who rose from death ; the 

same to Thee, 
O Holy Ghost, eternally. 

Amen. 

V. Send forth Thy Spirit, 
and They shall be created. 
(Alleluia.) 

R, And Thou shalt re- 
new the face of the earth, 
(Alleluia.) 

Let us pray, 

O God, who didst teach 
the hearts of the faithful 
by the light of the Holy 
Spirit, grant us, by the 
same Spirit to relish what 
is right, and evermore to 
rejoice in His consolations. 
Through Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



Here follows the Sermon. 
The Blessing of the Medals. 



V, Adjutorium nostrum 
in nomine Domini. 

R. Qui fecit coelum et 
terram. 

V. Domine exaudi ora- 
tionem meam. 

R. Et clamor mens ad 
te veniat. 

V, Dominus vobiscum. 

R. Et cum spiritu tuo. 



V. Our help is in the 
name of the Lord 

R. Who made heaven 
and earth. 

V. O Lord, hear my 
prayer. 

R. And let my cry come 
unto Thee. 

V. The Lord be with 
you. 

R. And with thy spirit. 



40 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 



Let tis pray. 

Almighty and eternal 
God, who hast permitted 
the images of Thy saints to 
be carved or painted in or- 
der that beholding them 
every day with om* corporal 
eyes and meditating upon 
the actions and sanctity of 
Thy saints, we may be led 
to imitate their virtues. 
Deign to bless and to sanc- 
tify these medals which 
have been made in honor 
and commemoration of the 
Most Blessed Virgin j^vlary, 
Mother of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and grant that who- 
ever humbly invokes the 
Blessed Virgin before them 
may obtain through her 
merits grace in this present 
life and eternal glory in 
the life to come. Through 
Christ our Lord. 
R. Amen. 

Here the Medals are sprinkled with Holy Water. 
At the appointed time the Secretary bids the candidates 
approach, saying aloud : 

Let those who are to be promoted to the 
degree of Sodalists come forward. 

The candidates immediately advance and form them- 
selves, if convenient, in one line, standing before the 
Director and the Prefect. The Secretary, addressing 
the Director and the Prefect, says : 



Oremtis, 

Omnipotens sempiterne 
Deus, qui sanctorum tuor- 
um imagines (sive effigies) 
sculpi aut pingi non repro- 
bas, ut quoties illas oculis 
corporis intuemur, toties 
eorum actus et sanctitatem 
ad imitandum memoriae 
oculis meditemur ; has 
quaesumus, imagines in 
honorem et memoriam be- 
atissim^ Virginis Mariae, 
Matris Domini nostri Jesu 
Christi, adaptatas bene ^ 
dicere et sancti ►J^ ficare 
digneris, et prsesta, ut qui- 
cumque coram illis beatis- 
simam Virginem suppliciter 
colere et honorare studuer- 
it illius meritis et obtentu 
a te gratiam in pr^senti et 
seternam gloriam obtineat 
in futurum. Per Christum 
Dominum nostrum. 

R. Amen. 



CEREMONY OF SOLEMN RECEPTION 41 

Reverend Father and worthy Prefect, the 
candidates here present beg admission into the 
SodaHty of the Blessed Virgin ]\Iary. During 
the time of their probation their conduct has 
been edifying, and the whole Sodality is will- 
ing that they should be received ; hence we 
earnestly request you to accede to their eager 
desires. 

The Director answers : 

If SO, let their names be read. 

The Secretary reads aloud the names. The Director 
then addresses the future Sodalists : 

Pious and beloved friends, as you are now 
to be promoted to the holy rank of Sodalists, 
and to enjoy all the spiritual advantages granted 
by the Holy Apostolic See, it is meet that 
your dispositions should be manifested to us : 
hence, answer candidly the questions which 
our Secretary will propose to you. 

The Secretary then speaks in the following words : 

The Sodality asks whether you are disposed 
to cherish with special devotion the Blessed 
Virgin Mary and our holy patron St. — 

The candidates answer in a loud and distinct voice : 

Yes, we wish it most earnestly. 

Secretai^y : The Sodality asks, whether you 
are resolved faithfully to observe all its rules 
and regulations ? 



42 SODA LI TV OF THE BLESSED VIRGIX MA R Y 

Ca7idi dates : Yes, we wish it most earn- 
estly. 

Secretary : The Sodality asks, whether you 
will, according to your power and the spirit of 
our Society, promote, by word and example, 
the glory of God and a tender devotion to the 
Blessed A'irgin IMary ? 

Cafididates : Yes, we wish it most earn- 
estly. 

The Director then says : 

Since you are resolved ever to remain faith- 
ful, you are now allowed to recite the Act 
consecrating yourself to God and His Holy 
Mother. And now we invite all the Sodalists 
here present to invoke with us the divine 
assistance of the Holy Spirit on those who are 
soon to be united to us by a holy and spiritual 
tie. 

All kneel — the hymn to the Holy Ghost is sung or 
recited. Each candidate is then called, and reads the 
Act of Consecration. 

If there are many to be received, it may be found 
more convenient that the Director or Prefect recite the 
Act of Consecration aloud, all the candidates repeating it 
clause for clause after him. 

Act of Consecration. 

Holy Mary, Immaculate Yirgin, ^Mother of 
God, I choose thee this day for my ]\Iother, 
Queen, Patroness, and Advocate ; and I firmly 



CEREMONY OF SOLEMN RECEPTION 



43 



resolve never to depart, by word or deed, from 
the duty which I owe to thee, nor to suffer 
those committed to my care to say or do any- 
thing against thy honor and the respect which 
thou deservest. Receive me, therefore, as thy 
devoted servant forever ; assist me in all the 
actions of my life, and forsake me not at the 
hour of my death. Amen. 

The Director then invests the new members with the 
Medal of the Blessed Virgin, after which he turns toward 
them and says : 

Giving thanks to the Thrice Holy God for 
what He has done on this day to the glory of 
His holy name and the honor of His Blessed 
Mother, and for the increase of this holy So- 
dality, we, its Director and Prefect, by the 
authority which has been granted to us, receive 
you into this our Sodality, duly erected in 

, under the title of the of the 

Blessed Virgin Mary, and the patronage of 

St. , and confirmed by Pope"- : 

and we admit you to a share of all the good 
works, spiritual favors, indulgences, and privi- 
leges which have been granted to its members 
by the Holy Apostolic See, in the name of the 
most august Trinity, the Father, the Son, and 
the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

The new members then return to their places, and the 
Magnificat or a hymn to the Blessed Virgin is sung, un- 



44 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 



less it be preferred to sing the Te Deum or Holy 
God here. 

The Director then announces the Plenary Indulgence 
attached to the entrance or consecration of new members, 
and the prayers — which may be five Our Fathe7's and 
five Hail Marys — are recited for the intentions of the 
Pope. 

Where it is permitted it is advisable to conclude the 
ceremony w4th the Benediction of the Blessed Sacra- 
ment, after which, if desirable, either the Te Deiu?i or 
the Holy God may be sung, unless it has been sung im- 
mediately after the Act of Consecration. 

CHAPTER VII. 

ORDER OF EXERCISES AT REGULAR MEETINGS. 

There is no particular order of exercises prescribed for 
the regular meetings of the Sodality. The fifth of the 
Common Rules mentions only two exercises, which it 
seems to take for granted as established by custom : the 
Office of the Blessed Virgin and the Instruction or Ex- 
hortation by the Director or by one whom he may invite 
to replace him. The ordering of details, as the Rule 
suggests, may be left to the Director. 

An order of exercises common to many Sodalities is 
the following : 

1. The Veni Creator^ or Veni Sa7icte Spirihts, or, if it 
is preferred, a hymn, or the Litany of the Blessed 
Virgin. 

2. A part of the Office of the Blessed Virgin, instead 
of which a part of the Office of the Dead may be substi- 
tuted, especially for a member lately deceased. 

3. Announcements. 

4. Instruction or Exhortation. 

5. Hymn or Litany. 

6. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, if per- 
mitted. 



EXERCISES FOR MEETINGS 



45 



Other prayers and devotions to tlie Blessed Virgin, as 
the Beads or a portion of them, may be inserted or sub- 
stituted at the discretion of the Director. Care must be 
had, however, that the meetings be not unduly prolonged. 
The ordinary meeting should not much exceed half an 
hour. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



PRAYERS FOR REGULAR OR OCCASIONAL MEETINGS. 



Invocation of 

Veni, Sancte Spiritus 
reple tuorum corda fideli- 
um, et tui amoris in eis ig- 
nem accende. 

V, Emitte spiritum tuum 
et creabuntur. (Alleluia). 

R. Et renovabis faciem 
terrae. (Alleluia). 

Or emus, 

Deus, qui corda fidelium 
Sancti Spiritus illustratione 
docuisti : da nobis in eo- 
dem spiritu recta sapere et 
de ejus semper consola- 
tione gaudere. Per Chris- 
tum Dominum nostrum. 

Amen. 

The Litany 

Kyrie eleison. 
Christe eleison. 



le Holy Ghost. 

Come, O Holy Spirit, 
enlighten the hearts of Thy 
faithful , and kindle in them 
the fire of Thy love. 

V. Send forth Thy Spirit 
and they shall be created. 
(Alleluia). 

R. And Thou shalt re- 
new the face of the earth.. 
(Alleluia). 

Lei ICS pray. 

O God, who didst teach 
the hearts of the faithful by 
the light of the Holy 
Spirit ; grant us by the 
same Spirit to relish what 
is right, and ever more to 
rejoice in His consolation. 
Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.. 

of Loretto. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us.. 



46 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Kyrie eleison. 

Christe audi nos. 

Christe exaudi nos. 

Pater de coelis Deus, mise- 
rere nobis. 

Fili Redemptor mundi De- 
us, miserere nobis. 

Spiritus Sancte Deus, mise- 
rere nobis. 

Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, 
miserere nobis. 

Sancta Maria, 

Sancta Dei genitrix, 
Sancta Virgo virginum. 
Mater Christi, 
Mater divinse gratiae, 
Mater purissima. 
Mater castissima. 
Mater inviolata, 
Mater intemerata. 
Mater amabilis, 
Mater admirabilis, 

Mater Great oris. 
Mater Salvatoris, 
Virgo prudentissima, 
Virgo veneranda, 
Virgo praedicanda, 
Virgo potens, 
Virgo clemens, 
Virgo fidelis , 
Speculum justitiae, 
Sedes sapientise. 
Causa nostrae laetitise, 
Vas spirituale. 



Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Ciirist, graciously hear us. 
God, the Father of heaven, 

have mercy on us. 
God the Son, Redeemer of 

the world, have mercy on 

us. 

God the Holy Ghost, have 

mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, 

have mercy on us. 

Holy Mary, pray for^ 
us, 

Holy Mother of God, 
Holy Virgin of virgins. 
Mother of Christ, 
Mother of divine grace, 
Mother most pure. 
Mother most chaste, 
Mother inviolate. 
Mother undefiled, 
Mother most amiable. 
Mother most admira- 
ble, 

Mother of our Creator, 
Mother of our Saviour, 
Virgin most prudent. 
Virgin most venerable, 
Virgin most renowned, 
Virgin most powerful, 
Virgin most merciful, 
Virgin most faithful, 
Mirror of Justice, 
Seat of wisdom. 
Cause of our joy. 
Spiritual vessel. 



EXERCISES FOR MEETING^ 



Vas honorabile, 

Vas insigne devotionis, 

Rosa mystica, 
Turns Davidica, 
Turris eburnea, 
Domus aurea, 
Foederis area, 
Janua coeli, 
Stella matutina, 
Salus infirmorum, 
Refugium peccatorum, 
Consolatrix afflictor- 
um, 

Auxilium Christiano- 
rum 

Regina angelorum, 
Regina patriarcharum, 
Regina prophetarum, 
Regina apostolorum, 
Regina martyrum, 
Regina confessorum, 
Regina virginum, 
Regina sanctorum om- 
nium, 

Regina sire labe origi- 

nali concepta, 
Regina sacratissimi Ro- 

sarii, 

Agnus Dei, qui tollis 
p e c c a t a mundi, 
parce nobis, Dom- 
ine. 

Agnus Dei, qui tollis 
peccata mundi, ex- 
audi nos Domine. 



o 
\ 3 



Vessel of honor, 

Singular vessel of de- 
votion, 

^lystical rose. 

Tower of David, 

Tower of ivory. 

House of gold, 

Ark of the covenant, 

Gate of heaven, 

Morning star. 

Health of the sick. 

Refuge of sinners, 

Comfortress of the af- 
flicted, 

Help of Christians, 



Queen 
Queen 
Queen 
Queen 
Queen 
Queen 
Queen 
Queen 



of angels, 
of patriarchs, 
of prophets, 
of apostles, 
of martyrs, 
of confessors, 
of virgins, 
of all saints, 



Queen conceived with- 
out original sin, 

Queen of the most 
holy Rosary, 

Lamb of God, who 
takest away the sins 
of the world, spare 
us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who tak- 
est away the sins of 
the world, gracious- 
ly hear us, O Lord. 



48 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA K V 



Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata 
mundi, miserere nobis. 

V. Ora pro nobis, sancta 
Dei genitrix. 

R. Ut digni efficiamur pro- 
missionibus Cbristi. 

07'enms. 

Gratiam, tuam,qu^sumus 
Domine, mentibus nostris 
infunde ; ut qui, angelo 
nuntiante, Christi Filii tui 
incarnationen cognovimus, 
per passionem ejus et cru- 
cem, ad resurrectionis glo- 
riam perducamur. Per 
eundem Christum Dominum 
nostrum. Amen. 



Lamb of God, who takest 
away the sins of the 
world, have mercy on us. 

V. Pray for us, O holy 
Mother of God. 

R. That w^e may be made 
worthy of the promises of 
Christ. 

Let us p7'ay. 

Pour forth, we beseech 
Thee, O Lord, Thy grace 
into our hearts, that we to 
whom the Incarnation of 
Christ, Thy Son, was made 
known by the message of an 
angel, may by His passion 
and cross be brought to 
the glory of His Resurrec- 
tion, through the same 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



Salve Regina. 

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy; oui 
life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do 
we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee 
do we send up our sighs, mourning and weep- 
ing in this vale of tears. Turn, then, most 
gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards 
us, and after this our exile, show unto us the 
blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, 
P pious, O sweet Virgin Mary ! 



PRA VERS 



49 



K Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. 
i?. That we may be made worthy of the 
II promises of Christ. 

Let us pray, 

I 

O Almighty and Eternal God, who, by the 
co-operation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare 
the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary 
to become the worthy habitation of Thy Son: 
grant that, as we rejoice in her commemoration, 
so by her gracious intercession, we may be 
delivered both from present evils and everlast- 
ing death. Through the same Christ our Lord. 

R. Amen. 



The Memorare. 

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, 
that never was it known that any one who fled 
to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought 
j thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired 
I with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of 
virgins, my Mother. To thee I come ; before 
thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother 
of the Word Incarnate, despise not my peti- 
tion, but in thy mercy hear and grant my 
prayer. Amen. 



5o SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 
Prayer of St. Aloysius. 

O Holy Mary, my mother and Advocate, to 
thy care and particular protection, and into the 
bosom of thy mercy, to-day and every day, 
and at the hour of my death, I commend my 
soul and body ; all my hope and consolation, 
my difficulties and afflictions, mv life, and the 
end of my life, I commend to thee ; that, 
through thy most powerful intercession, and 
through thy merits, all my works and actions 
may be directed according to thy will, and that 
of thy divine Son. Amen. 

Prayer for the Sodality. 

O Jesus, Son of the Blessed Virgin, we are 
the adopted children of Thy Mother, Thy own 
brothers by adoption. Love us, then, O Jesus, 
^ with a special love ] protect us, guide us, 
strengthen us by Thy grace ; take good care of 
us, make us be worthy members of the Sodality, 
and grant us to die a holy death, that, after 
this life, we may be united forever with Thee, 
with Thy Eternal Father and the Holy Ghost, 
with our common Mother, the Blessed Virgin, 
with Thy angels and saints, and with our de- 
parted brethren of the Sodality, who now reign 
with Thee in the heavenly Jerusalem. 



PR A VERS 



51 



Prayer for a 

Omnipotens, sempiteme 
Deus, salus seterna creden- 
tium, exaudi nos pro famu- 
lo tuo infirmo, pro quo mis- 
ericordiae tuae imploramus 
auxilium, ut, reddita sibi 
sanitate, gratiarum tibi in 
ecclesia tua referat actiones. 
Per Christum Dommum 
nostrum. 

R. Amen. 



Sick Member. 

Almighty, everlasting 
God, the eternal salvation 
of them that believe; hear 
us in behalf of Thy servant 
who is sick, for whom we 
implore the aid of Thy 
mercy that, being restored 
to health, he (she) may 
render thanks to Thee in 
Thy Church. Through 
Christ our Lord. 

R. Amen. 



BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 



0 Salutaris. 



O salutaris Hostia, 

QuL^ coeli pandis ostium ; 
Bella premunt hostilia, 

Da robur, fer auxilium. 



O saving Victim, opening 
wide 

The gate of heaven to 

man below ; 
Our foes press on from 

every side ; 
Thine aid supply. Thy 

strength bestow. 



Uni trinoque Domino, 
Sit sempitema gloria, 

Qui vitam sine termino. 
Nobis donet in patria. 

Amen. 



To Thy great name be end- 
less praise. 
Immortal Godhead, One 
in Three, 
O grant us endless length 
of days 
In our true native land 
with Thee. Amen. 



5 2 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 



Tantum Ergo. 



Tantum ergo sacramentum 
Veneremur cernui ; 

Et antiquum documentum 
Novo cedat ritui ; 

Prsestet fides supplemen- 
tum 

Sensuum defectui. 



Genitori, Genitoque, 

Laus et jubilatio ; 
Salus, honor virtus quoque, 

Sit et benedictio ; 
Procedenti ab utroque, 

Compar sit laudatio. 

Amen. 



V. Panem de coelo prae- 
stitisti eis. (Alleluia.) 

R. Omne delectamentum 
in se habentem. ( Alleluia. ) 

Oremus. 
Deus, qui nobis sub Sa- 
cramento mirabili, passionis 
tuae memoriam reliquisti ; 
tribue, qucesumus, ita nos 



Down in adoration falling, 
Lo ! the sacred Host we 
hail ; 

Lo ! o'er ancient forms de- 
parting 
Newer rights of grace 
prevail ; 

Faith for all defects sup- 
plying 

Where the feeble senses 
fail. 

To the everlasting Father, 
And the Son who reigns 
on high, 
With the Holy Ghost pro- 
ceeding 
Forth from each eter- 
nally 

Be salvation, honor, bless- 
ing, 

Might, and endless ma- 
jesty ! Amen. 

V. Thou hast given them 
bread from heaven. (Alle- 
luia. ) 

R. Containing in itself 
all sweetness. (Alleluia.) 

Let tis pray. 
O God, who under a 
wonderful sacrament, hast 
left us a memorial of Thy 
passion, grant us, we be- 



PR A VERS 



53 



corporis et sanguinis tui sa- 
cra mysteria venerari, ut 
redemptionis tuse fructum 
in nobis jugiter sentiamus ; 
qui vivis et regnas in sse- 
cula s^eculorum. Amen. 



seecli Thee so to venerate 
the sacred mysteries of Thy 
body and blood, that we 
may ever feel within us the 
fruit of Thy redemption ; 
who livest and reign est fcT 
ever and ever. Amen. 



The Divine Praises. 

Blessed be God. 
Blessed be His holy Name. 
Blessed be Tesus Christ, true God and true 
:^Ian. 

Blessed be the Xame of Jesus. 

Blessed be His most Sacred Heart. 

Blessed be Jesus in the most holy Sacrament 
of the altar. 

Blessed be the great ^vlother of God, Mary 
most holy. 

Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Con- 
ception. 

Blessed be the name of Aviary, Virgin and 
Mother. 

Blessed be God in His angels and in His 
saints. 



PART II 



OFFICES 

USUALLY RECITED IN 

THE SODALITY 



56 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Prayer Before the Recitation of the Office. 

Aperi, Domine, os meum ad benedicendum 
nomen sanctum tuum ; munda quoque cor meum 
ab omnibus vanis, perversis et alienis cogita- 
tionibus; intellectum illumina, affectum in- 
flamma, ut digne, attente ac devote hoc offici- 
luii recitare valeam, et exaudiri merear ante 
<jonspectum divinae Majestatis tuas. Per Chris- 
tum, Dominum nostrum. 
Amen. 

Domine, in unione illius divinae intentionis, 
qua ipse in terris laudes Deo persolvisti, has 
tibi horas persolvo. 

Prayer After the Recitation of the Office. 

Sacrosanct^ et individuse Trinitati, cruci- 
fixi Domini nostri Jesu Christi humanitati, 
beatissimae et gloriosissimae semperque Virginis 
j\Iariae foecundae integritati, et omnium Sanc- 
torum universitati sit sempiterna laus, honor, 
virtus et gloria ab omni creatura, nobisque re- 
missio omnium peccatoruni; per infinita saecula 
saeculorum. 

R. Amen. 

V. Beata viscera Mariae Virginis, quae por- 
taverunt aeterni Patris FiHum. 

R. Et beata ubera, quae lactaverunt Chris- 
tum Dominum. 

Pater noster. Ave Maria, 



PR A YERS BEFORE AND AFTER OFFICE 57 



Prayer Before the Recitation of the Office. 

Open, O Lord, our mouths to bless Thy holy 
name ; cleanse our hearts from all vain, bad, 
and distracting thoughts ; enlighten our under- 
standing, inflame our will, that we may worth- 
ily, attentively, and devoutly recite this Office, 
and deserve to be heard in the presence of Thy 
divine Majesty : through Christ our Lord. 

R. Amen. 

O Lord, we offer these hours to Thee in 
union with that divine intention with which 
Thou Thyself, whilst on earth, didst render 
praises to God. 

Prayer After the Recitation of the Office. 

To the most holy and undivided Trinity, to 
the humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified, 
to thei fruitful purity of the most blessed and 
glorious ever Virgin Mary, and to all the 
Saints, be everlasting praise, honor, power and 
glory from every creature ; and to us the re- 
mission of all our sins, forever and ever. 

R. Amen. 

V. Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary 
that bore the Son of the eternal Father. 

R, And blessed are the breasts that suckled 
Christ the Lord. 

Our Father, Hail Mary. 



OF THE 

BI^^SSBB VIRGIN MARY. 

MATINS. 

Ave, Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum: 
benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus 
ventris tui^ Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora 
pro nobis, peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis 
nostrae. Amen. 

Ave Maria is said inaudibly. 

Pref. DoMiNE, labia mea aperies. 

All Et OS meum annuntiabit laudem tuam. 

Pref. Deus, in adjutorium meum intende. 

All, Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina. 

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. 
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et 
in saeculasaeculorum. Amen. Alleluia. (^Prom 
Septuagesi?na to Easter: Laus tibi- Domine, 
Rex aeternse gloriae.) 

Invitatory. 

Pref. Ave Maria, gratia plena : Dominus te- 
cum. 

All. Ave Maria, gratia plena : Dominus te- 
cum. 

58 



THE i.itti;e 0FFic:e 



OF THE 

BI^BSSED VIRGIN MARY. 

MATINS. 

Hail, ]\Iary, full of grace, the Lord is with 
thee ; blessed art thou among women, and 
blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy 
Mary, Mother of God ; pray for us sinners,, 
now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

Hail Mary is said inaudibly. 

Pref. Thou wilt open my lips. O Lord. 
AIL And my mouth shall show forth Thy 
praise. 

Pref. O God, come to my assistance. 

AIL O Lord, make haste to help me. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and 
to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the begin- 
ning, is now, and ever shall be, world without 
end. Amen. Alleluia. (^From Septuagesima 
to Easter : Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of 
everlasting glory. ) 

Invitato7'\\ 

Pref. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is 
with thee. 

AIL Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is 
with thee. 

59 



SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

Psalm xciv. 

Pref. Venite, exultemus Domino, jubilemus 
Deo salutari nostro : praeoccupemus faciem 
ejus in confessione, et in psalmis jubilemus ei. 

All. Ave Maria, gratia plena: Dominus 
tecum. 

Pref. Quoniam Deus magnus Dominus, et 
Rex m*agnus super omnes deos : quoniam non 
repellet Dominus plebem suam, quia in manu 
ejus sunt' omnes fines terrae, et altitudines mon- 
tium ipse conspicit. 

All. Dominus tecum. 

Pref. Quoniam ipsius est mare, et ipse fecit 
illud, et aridam fundaverunt manus ejus : venite 
adoremus, et procidamus ante Deum, ploremus 
coram Domino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est 
Dominus Deus noster : nos autem populus ejus, 
et oves pascuae ejus. 

AIL Ave Maria, gratia plena : Dominus 
tecum. 

Pref. Hodie si vocem ejus audieritis, nolite 
obdurare corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatione 
secundum diem tentationis in deserto : ubi ten- 
taverunt me patres vestri, probaverunt, et vider- 
unt opera mea. 

All. Dominus tecum. 

Pref. Quadraginta annis proximus fui gen- 
erationi huic, et dixi : semper hi errant corde : 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 6 1 

Psabn xciv, 

Pref, Come, let us praise the Lord with joy ; 
let us joyfully sing to God, our Saviour. Let 
us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; 
and make a joyful noise to him with psalms. 

AIL Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is 
with thee. 

Pref. For the Lord is a great God, and a 
great King above all gods. For the Lord will 
not reject his people. For in his hand are all 
the ends of the earth : and the heights of the 
mountains he beholdeth. 

AIL The Lord is with thee. 

Pref, For the sea is his, and he made it: and 
his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us 
adore and fall down, and weep before the Lord 
that made us. For he is the Lord our God ; 
and we are the people and the sheep of his 
pasture. 

AIL Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is 
with thee. 

Pref. To-day, if ye hear his voice, harden not 
your hearts, as in the provocation, according 
to the day of temptation in the wilderness, 
where your fathers tempted me ; they proved 
me, and saw my works. 

AIL The Lord is with thee. 

Pref, Forty years long was I offended with 
that generation, and I said : these always err in 



^2 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VI R GIN MA R Y 

ipsi vero non cognoverunt vias meas, quibus 
juravi in ira mea, si introibunt in requiem 
meam. 

All. Ave Maria, gratia plena: Dominus 
tecum. 

Pref. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui 
Sancto. 

AIL Dominus tecum. 

Pref. Ave Maria, gratia plena : Dominus 
tecum. 

Hy 7)171. 

Quem terra, pontus, sidera 
Colunt, adorant, prsedicant, 
Trinam regentem machinam 
Claustrum Mariae bajulat. 

Cui luna, sol, et omnia 
Deserviunt per tempora, 
Perfusa coeli gratia, 
Gestant puellae viscera. 

Eeata mater munere, 
Cujus, supernus Artifex 
Mundum pugillo continens, 
Ventris sub area clausus est. 

Beata coeli nuntio, 
Poecunda sancto Spiritu, 
Desideratus gentibus, 
Cujus per alvum fusus est. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 63 

heart. And these men have not known my 
ways : so I swore in my wrath, that they shall 
^ot enter into my rest. 

AIL Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is 
with thee. 

Pref. Glory be to the Father, and to the 
Son, and to the Holy Ghost. 

All. The Lord is with thee. 

Pref. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is 
with thee. 

Hymn. 

The Lord whom earth and sea and sky. 
With one adoring voice proclaim ; 

AVho rules them all in majesty. 
Inclosed Himself in Mary's frame. 

Lo ! in an humble A^irgin's womb, 
O'ershadowed by Almighty power, 

He whom the stars and sun and moon, 
Each serve in their appointed hour. 

O Mother blest, to whom was given 

Within thy body to contain 
The Architect of earth and heaven, 

Whose hands the universe sustain. 

To thee was sent an angel down. 
In thee the Spirit was enshrined ; 

Of thee was born that mighty One, 
The long Desired of all mankind. 



64 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

Jesu, tibi sit gloria, 
Qui natus es de Virgine, 
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu, 
In sempiterna saecula. Amen. 

Aiit. Benedicta tu. 

Psalm via. 

Domine Dominus noster : quam admirabile 
est nomen tuum in universa terra. 

Quoniam elevata est magnificentia tua : super 
coelos. 

Ex ore infantium et lactentium perfecisti 
laudem propter inimicos tuos : ut destruas in- 
imicum et ultorem. 

Quoniam videbo coelos tuos, opera digitorum 
tuorum : lunam et Stellas, qu^ tu fundasti. 

Quid est homo, quod memor es ejus? aut 
filius hominis, quoniam visitas eum ? 

Minuisti eum paulo minus ab angelis, gloria 
et honore coronasti eum : et constituisti eum 
super opera manuum tuarum. 

Omnia subjecisti sub pedibus ejus, oves et 
boves universos : insuper et pecora campi. 

Volucres cceli, et pisces maris, qui perambu- 
lant semitas maris. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 65 

O Jesus, born of Virgin bright, 

Immortal glory be to Thee ; 
Praise to the Father Infinite, 

And Holy Ghost eternally. Amen. 

Ant. Blessed art thou. 

Psalm viii. 

O Lord, our Lord, how adorable is thy name 
in the whole earth. 

For thy magnificence is elevated above the 
heavens. 

Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings 
thou hast drawn praise, because of thy enemies, 
that thou mayest confound the enemy and the 
avenger. 

For I will behold the heavens, the works of 
thy fingers : the moon and the stars which thou 
hast set. 

What is man that thou art mindful of him ? 
or the son of man that thou visitest him ? 

Thou hast made him a little less than the 
angels : thou hast crowned him with glory and 
honor : and hast set him over the works of thy 
hands. 

Thou hast put all things under his feet, all 
sheep and oxen : moreover the beasts also of 
the field : 

The birds of the air and the fishes of the sea, 
that pass through the paths of the sea. 



66 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 



Domine Dominus noster : quam admirabile 
est nomen tuum in universa terra. 

Gloria, Patri, etc. 

Ant. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et bene- 
dictus fructus ventris tui. 

Ant, Sicut myrrha. 

Fsab7i XV Hi. 

Coeli enarrant gloriam Dei : et opera manuum 
ejus annuntiat firmamentum. 

Dies diei eructat verbum : et nox nocti in- 
dicat scientiam. 

Non sunt loquelae, neque sermones : quorum 
non audiantur voces eorum. 

In omnem terram exivit sonus eorum : et in 
fines orbis terrse verba eorum. 

In sole posuit tabernaculum suum : et ipse 
tamquam sponsus procedens de thalamo suo : 

Exultavit ut gigas ad currendam viam : a 
;summo coelo egressio ejus : 

Et occursus ejus usque ad summum ejus : 
nee est qui se abscondat a calore ejus. 

Lex Domini immaculata convertens animas : 
testimonium Domini lidele, sapientiam praestans 
parvulis. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 67 

O Lord, our Lord, how admirable is thy name 
in all the earth. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

A7it. Blessed art thou among women, and 
blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 

Afit. Like choicest myrrh. 

Psalm XV Hi. 

The heavens show forth the glory of God, 
and the firmament declareth the works of his 
hands. 

Day to day uttereth speech, and night to 
night showeth knowledge. 

They are not speeches nor languages, of 
which the voices are not heard. 

Their sound hath gone forth into all the 
earth ; and their words unto the ends of the 
world. 

He hath set his tabernacle in the sun : and 
as a bridegroom coming out of his bride- 
chamber : 

He hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course : 
his going out is from the end of heaven. 

And his circuit even unto the end thereof : 
and there is no one that can hide himself from 
his heat. 

The law of the Lord is unspotted, convert- 
ing souls ; the testimony of the Lord is faith- 
ful, giving wisdom to little ones. 



68 SODALITY GF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Justitiae Domini rectae, laetificantes corda : 
praeceptum Domini lucidum, illuminans oculos. 

Timor Domini sanctus, permanens in s^c- 
ulum saeculi : judicia Domini vera, justificata 
in semetipsa. 

Desiderabilia super aurum et lapidem pretio- 
sum multmxi : et dulciora super mel et favum. 

Etenim servus tuus custodit ea : in custodi- 
endis illis retributio multa. 

Delicta quis intelligit? ab occultis meis 
munda me : et ab alienis parce servo tuo. 

Si mei non fuerint dominati, tunc immacu- 
latus ero : et emundabor a delicto maximo. 

Et erunt ut complaceant eloquia oris mei : 
et meditatio cordis mei in conspectu tuo 
semper. 

Domine adjutor mens : et redemptor mens. 
Gloria Patri, etc. 

Ant. Sicut myrrha electa odorem dedisti 
suavitatis, sancta Dei genitrix. 

Ant, Ante torum. 

Psahn xxiii, 

Domini est terra, et plenitudo ejus : orbis 
terrarum, et universi, qui habitant in eo. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 69 

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving 
joy to hearts ; the commandment of the Lord 
is lightsome, enlightening the eyes. 

The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for- 
ever and ever ; the judgments of the Lord are 
true, justified in themselves. 

i\Iore to be desired than gold and many 
precious stones^ and sweeter than honey and 
the honeycomb. 

For thy servant keepeth them : in keeping 
them there is a great reward. 

Who can understand sins ? From my secret 
ones cleanse me, O Lord j and from those of 
others spare thy servant. 

If they shall have no dominion over me, 
then shall I be without spot ; and I shall be 
cleansed from the greatest sin. 

And the words of my mouth shall be such as 
may please : and the meditation of my heart 
always in thy sight. 

O Lord, my helper and my redeemer. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Afit. Like choicest myrrh thou hast yielded 
an odor of sweetness, O holy Mother of God. 

Afit. Before thy couch. 

Psabn xxiii. 

The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness 
thereof : the world and all that dwell therein. 



yo SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MAR'Y 

Quia ipse super maria fundavit eum ; et 
super fiumina praeparavit eum. 

Quis ascendet in montem Domini ? aut quis 
stabit in loco sancto ejus ? 

Innocens manibus, et mundo corde qui non 
accepit in vano animam suam : nec juravit in 
dolo proximo suo. 

Hie accipiet benedictionem a Domino : et 
misericordiam a Deo salutari suo. 

Haec est generatio quserentium eum : quae- 
rentium faciem Dei Jacob. 

Attollite portas, principes, vestras, et eleva- 
mini, portae aeternales : et introibit Rex gloriae. 

Quis est iste Rex gloriae ? Dominus fortis et 
potens : Dominus potens in proelio. 

Attoilite portas, principes, vestras, et eleva- 
mini, portas aeternales : et introibit Rex glorias. 

Qui est iste Rex gloriae ? Dominus virtutum 
ipse est Rex gloria. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

Ant. Ante torum hujus Virginis frequentate 
nobis dulcia cantica dramatis. 

V. Diffusa est gratia .in labiis tuis. 

R. Propterea benedixit te Deus in aeternum. 

Pater noster {the rest inaitdibly^. 

V, Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. 

R. Sed libera nos a malo. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 

For he hath founded it upon the seas, and 
hath prepared it upon the rivers. 

Who shall ascend into the mountain of the 
Lord ? Or who shall stand in the holy place ? 

He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, 
who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn 
deceitfully to his neighbor. 

He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, 
and mercy from God his Saviour. 

This is the generation of them that seek him, 
of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob. 

Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye 
lifted up, O eternal gates : and the King of 
glory shall enter in. 

Who is this King of glory ? The Lord, 
strong and mighty : the Lord, mighty in 
battle. 

Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye 
lifted up, O eternal gates, and the King of 
glory shall enter in. 

Who is this King of glory? The Lord of 
hosts, he is the King of glory. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Ant, Before the couch of this Virgin, sing 
often unto us sweet chants with solemnity. 

V. Grace is poured forth on thy lips. 

R. Therefore God hath blessed thee forever. 

Our Father {the rest maudibly^ . 

V. And lead us not into temptation. 

R. But deliver us from evil. 



72 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Absolution. 

Precibus et meritis beatae Mariae semper vir- 
ginis, et omnium sanctorum, perducat nos Do- 
minus ad regna coelorum. 

R. Amen. 

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere. 

r 

I Blessing. 

Nos cum prole pia benedicat Virgo Maria. 

R, Amen. 

First Lesson. 

In omnibus requiem quaesivi, et in haeredit- 
'ate Domini morabor. Tunc praecepit, et 
dixit mihi Creator omnium : et qui creavit me, 
requievit in tabernaculo meo, et dixit mihi : 
in Jacob inhabita, et in Israel haereditare, et in 
electis meis mitte radices. Tu autem, Domine, 
miserere nobis. 

R. Deo gratias. 

R, Sancta et immaculata virginitas, quibus 
te laudibus efferam, nescio : quia quem coeli 
capere non poterant, tuo gremio contulisti. 

V. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus 
fructus ventris tui. Quia quem coeli capere non 
poterant, tuo gremio contulisti. 



V. Jube, Domine^ benedicere. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED IFRGIX 73 

Absolutloji, 

By the prayers and merits of the Blessed 
^lary ever Virgin, and of all the Saints, may 
the Lord bring us to the kingdom of heaven. 

R. Amen. 

V . Pray, Father, a blessing. 

Blessing. 

May the Virgin ]slary, with her loving Child, 
bless us. 
R, Amen. 

First Lesson. 

In all these I sought rest, and I shall abide 
in the inheritance of the Lord. Then the 
Creator of all things commanded, and said to 
me : and he that made me, rested in my taber- 
nacle, and he said to me : let thy dwelling be 
in Jacob, and thy inheritance in Israel, and 
take root in my elect. But thou. O Lord, have 
mercy on us. 

R. Thanks be to God. 

R. O holy and Immaculate Virgin, with 
what praise I 'shall extol thee, I know not : 
for He whom the heavens could not contain, 
rested on thy bosom. 

V. Blessed art thou among women, and 
blessed is the fruit of thy womb. For He whom 
the heavens could not contain rested on thy 
bosom. 

y. Pxaj', Father, a blessing. 



74 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Blessing, 

Ipsa Virgo virginum intercedat pro nobis ad 
Dominum. 
R. Amen. 

Second Lesson. 

Et sic in Sion firmata sum^ et in civitate 
sanctificata similiter requievi, et in Jerusalem 
potestas mea. Et radicavi in populo honorifi- 
cato, et in parte Dei mei haereditas illius, et in 
plenitudine sanctorum detentio mea. Tu autem^ 
Domine, miserere nobis. 

i?. Deo gratias. 

i?. Beata es virgo, INIaria, quae Dominum 
portasti Creatorem mundi : genuisti, qui te 
fecit, et in sternum permanes virgo. 

V. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. 
Genuisti, qui te fecit, et in aeternum permanes 
virgo. 

V, Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. 
Genuisti qui te fecit, et in sternum permanes 
Virgo. 

"When the Te Deian is not said, this last part, begin- 
ning with Gloria Fatri, is omitted. 

V. Jube, Domne, benedicere. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 75 



Blessing, 

May the Virgin of virgins herself intercede 
for us with the Lord. 
R. Amen. 

Second Lesson. 

And so was I established in Sion, and in the 
holy city likewise I rested : and my power was 
in Jerusalem. And I took root in the hon- 
ored people, and in the portion of my God 
which is his inheritance : and my abode is in 
the full assembly of saints. But thou, Lord, 
have mercy on us. 

R, Thanks be to God. 

R, Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, who 
didst bear the Lord, the Creator of the world ; 
thou wast the Mother of Him who made thee, 
and remainest a Virgin forever. 

V. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is 
with thee. Thou wast the Mother of Him who 
made thee, and remainest a Virgin forever. 

V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Ghost. Thou wast the Mother 
of Him who made thee, and remainest a Virgin 
forever. 

^Vllen the Te Deurri is not said, this last part, begin- 
ning with Glory be to the Father, is omitted. 



V. Pray, Father, a blessing. 



y 6 on A LITY OF THE BLESSED i^IRGIN MA R Y 

Blessing. 

Per Virginem Matrem concedat nobis Dom- 
inus salutem et pacem. 
R, Amen. 

Third Lesson. 

Quasi cedrus exaltata sum in Libano, et quasi 
cypressus in monte Sion ; quasi palma exaltata 
sum in Cades, et quasi plantatio rosae in Jericho. 
Quasi oliva speciosa in campis, et quasi platanus 
exaltata sum juxta aquam in plateis. Sicut 
cinnamomum, et balsamum aromatizans odorem 
dedi : quasi myrrha electa dedi suavitatem 
odoris. Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. 

R, Deo gratias. 

The following Responsory is said when the Te Den?n 
is omitted. 

R. Felix namque es sacra Virgo Maria, et 
omni laude dignissima : quia ex te ortus est 
sol justitiae, Christus Deus noster. 

V. Ora pro populo, interveni pro clero, in- 
tercede pro devoto femineo sexu : sentiant om- 
nes tuum juvamen, quicumque celebrant tuam 
sanctam commemorationem. Quia ex te ortus 
est sol justitiae, Christus Deus noster. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIX 77 



Blessing, 

Through the Virgin ^Mother may the Lord 
grant unto us salvation and peace. 
R. Amen. 

Third Lesson. 

I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and 
as a cypress tree on ]Mount Sion. I was ex- 
alted like a palm tree in Cades, and as a rose 
plant in Jericho ; as a fair olive tree in the 
plains, and as a plane tree by the water in the 
meadovv's, was I exalted. I gave a sweet smell 
like cinnamon, and aromatical balm ; I yielded 
a sweet odor like the best myrrh. But thou, 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Thanks be to God. 

The following Responsory is said, when the Te Deiwi 
is omitted. 

R. Surely thou art happy, O holy Virgin 
!Mary, and most worthy of all praise : for out 
of thee arose the sun of justice. Christ our 
God. 

V. Pray for the people, mediate for the 
clergy, intercede for the devout female sex. 
Let all experience thy assistance, whoever cele- 
brate thy holy commemoration. For out of 
thee arose the sun of justice, Christ our God. 



7 8 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VI R GIN MARY 



V. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. 
Quia ex te ortus est sol justitiae, Christus Deus 
noster. 

Te Deum. 

The Te Deum is omitted in Advent and from Septua- 
^esima to Easter, except on feasts of our Blessed Lady. 

Te Deum laudamus : te Dominum confite- 
mur. 

Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur. 

Tibi omnes Angeli : tibi coeli, et universae 
potestates. 

Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim, incessabili voce 
proclamant : 

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus : Dominus Deus 
Sabaoth. 

Pleni sunt coeli et terra majestatisgloriae tuae. 

Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus : 

Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus : 

Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus. 

Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ec- 
clesia. 

Patrem immensae majestatis. 

Venerandum tuum verum, et unicum Filium 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 79 



V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Ghost. For out of thee arose 
the sun of justice, Christ our God. 

Te Deum. 

The Te Dnim is omitted in Advent and from Septua- 
gesima to Easter, except on feasts of our Blessed Lady. 

We praise Thee, O God : we acknowledge 
Thee to be the Lord. 

All the earth doth worship Thee, the Father 
everlasting. 

To Thee all the Angels cry aloud : the 
heavens, and all the heavenly powers : 

To Thee the Cherubim and Seraphim con- 
tinually do cry : 

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. 

Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of 
Thy glory. 

The glorious choir of the Apostles praise 
Thee. 

The admirable company of the Prophets 
praise Thee. 

The white-robed army of ]\Iartvrs praise 
Thee. 

The holy Church throughout the world doth 
.acknowledge Thee. 

The Father of infinite majesty : 
Thy adorable, true, and only Son : 



So SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum. 

Tu Rex glorise, Christe. 

Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius. 

Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non 
horruisti Virginis uterum. 

Tu, devicto mortis acuieo, aperuisti credenti- 
bus regna coelorum. 

Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris. 

Judex crederis esse venturus. 

Te ergo quaesumus, famulis tuis subveni, quos 
pretioso sanguine redemisti. 

Sterna fac cum Sanctis tuis in gloria numer- 
ari. 

Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, et ben- 
edic hereditati tuae. 

Et rege eos, et extolle illos usque in aeter- 
num. 

Per singulos dies, benedicimus te. 

Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, et in 
sseculum sseculi. 

Dignare, Domine, die isto sine peccato nos 
custodire. 

Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere nostri. 

Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos : 
quemadmodum speravimus in te. 

In te, Domine, speravi : non confundar in 
seternum. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 8 1 

Also, the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. 

Thou, O Christ, art the King of glory. 

Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. 

When Thou tookest upon Thee to deliver 
man, thou didst not disdain the Virgin's vromb. 

Having overcome the sting of death. Thou 
didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believ- 
ers. 

Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the 
glory of the Father. 

We believe that Thou wilt comie to be our 
Judge. 

We therefore pray Thee to help Thy serv- 
ants, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy 
precious blood. 

r^Jake them to be numbered v/ith Thy Saints 
in glory everlasting. 

Save Thy people, O Lord : and bless Thy 
inheritance. 

Govern them and raise them up forever. 

Day by day we bless Thee. 

And we praise Thy name forever and ever. 

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, to keep us 
without sin. 

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. 

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we 
have hoped in Thee. 

In Thee, O Lord, I have hoped; let me 
never be confounded. 



82 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 



LAUDS. 

Ave Maria {inaudibly^. 

V. Deus in adjutorium meum intende. 

R. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina. 

V. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. 
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et 
in saeculasaeculorum. Amen. Alleluia. {Fro7?i 
Septuagesima to Easter, Laus tibi Domine, 
Rex seternae gloriae.) 



Ant, Assumpta est. 

Psalm xcii, 

Dominus regnavit, decorem indutus est : in- 
dutus est Dominus fortitudinem, et praecinxit 
se. 

Eteniiii firmavit orbem terrae : t^ui non com- 
movebitur. 

Parata sedes tua ex tunc : a saeculo tu es. 

Elevaverunt flumina Domine : elevaverunt 
flumina vocem suam. 

Elevaverunt flumina fluctus suos ; a vocibus 
aquarum multarum. 

Mirabiles elationes maris : mirabilis in altis 
Dominus. 

Testimonia tua credibilia facta sunt nimis. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 83 



LAUDS. 

Hail Mary {inaudibly') . 

V. O God, come to my assistance. 

R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 

V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the be- 
ginning, is now, and ever shall be, world with- 
out end. Amen. Alleluia. (^Fro?n Septuagesi7na 
to Easter : Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King 
of everlasting glory. ) 

Ant. Mary was taken up into heaven. 

Psalm xcii. 

The Lord reigneth ; he is clothed with 
beauty : the Lord is clothed with strength, and 
hath girded himself. 

For he hath established the world, which 
shall not be moved. 

Thy throne is prepared of old : thou art 
from everlasting. 

The floods have lifted up, O Lord : the 
floods have lifted up their voice. 

The floods have lifted up their waves, with 
the noise of many waters. 

Wonderful are the surges of the sea : won- 
derful is the Lord on high. 

Thy testimonies are become exceedingly 



84 :^ODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

domum tuam decet sanctitudo, Domine, in 
longitudinem dierum. 
Gloria Patri, etc. 

Ant, Assumpta est Maria in coelum, gaudent 
Angeli, laudantes benedicunt Dominum. 

Ant. Maria Virgo. 

Psahn xcix. 
Jubilate Deo omnis terra : servite Domino 
in laetitia. 

Introite in conspectu ejus : in exultatione. 

Scitote quoniam Dominus ipse est Deus : 
ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos : 

Populus ejus, et oves pascuae ejus : introite 
portas ejus in confessione, atria ejus in hymnis : 
confitemini illi. 

Laudate nomen ejus : quoniam suavis est 
Dominus, in sternum misericordia ejus : et 
usque in generationem et generationem Veritas 
ejus. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

Ant. Maria Virgo assumpta est ad sethereum 
thalamum, in quo Rex regum stellato sedet 
solio. 

Ant, In odorem. 

Psalm Ixii. 
Deus Deus mxeus : ad te de luce vigilo. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 85 



credible : holiness becometh thy house, O 
Lord, unto length of days. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Ant. Mary was taken up into heaven, the 
angels rejoice, and with praises bless the Lord. 

Ant. The Virgin Mary. 

Psah7i xcix. 

Sing joyfully to God, all the earth : serv^e ye 
the Lord with gladness. 

Come into his presence with exceeding great 
joy. 

Know ye that the Lord he is God : he made 
us, and not we ourselves. 

We are his people, and the sheep of his pas- 
ture. Go ye into his gates vrith praise, into 
his courts with hymns, and give glory to him. 

Praise ye his name : for the Lord is sweet, 
his mercy endureth forever, and his truth to 
generation and generation. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

A7it. The Virgin ^lary was taken up to the 
heavenly chamber, Vv^here the King of kmgs 
sitteth on his starry throne. 

A^nt. We run to the odor. 

Psalni Ixii. 

O God, my God, to thee do I watch at 
break of day. 



86' 50DALITT OF THE BLESSED VIRGIKMARY 

Sitivit in te- anima mea : quam multipliciter 
tibi caro mea. 

In terra, deserta, et invia, et inaquosa, sic 
in sancto apparui tibi : ut viderem virtutem 
tuam, et gloriam tuam. 

Quoniam melior est misericordia tua super 
vitas : labia mea laiidabunt te. 

Sic benedicam te in vita mea ; et in nomine 
tuo levabo manus meas. 

Sicut adipe et pinguedine repleatur anima 
mea : et labiis exultationis laudabit os meum. 

Si memor fui tui super stratum meum, in 
matutinis meditabor in te : quia fuisti adjutor 
mens. 

Et in velamento alarum tuarum exultabo, 
adhaesit anima mea post te : me suscepit dex- 
tera tua. 

Ipsi vero in vanum quaesierunt animam meam, 
introibunt in inferiora terrse : tradentur in 
manus gladii, partes vulpium erunL 

Rex vero laetabitur in Deo, laudabuntur 
omnes qui jurant in eo : quia obstructum est 
OS loquentium iniqua. 

Psalm Ixvi. 
Deus misereatur nostri, et benedicat nobis : 
illuminet vultum sum super nos, et misereatur 
nostri. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 87 

For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my 
flesh, O how much. 

In a desert land, and where there is no way 
and no water: so in the sanctuary have I come 
before thee, to see thy po^ver and thy glory. 

For thy mercy is better than life : thee my 
lips shall praise. 

Thus will I bless thee my life long : and in 
thy name I will lift up m.y hands. 

Let my soul be filled as with marrow and 
fatness : and my mouth shall praise thee vvith 
joyful lips. 

If I have remembered thee upon my bed, I 
will meditate on thee in the miorning ] because 
thou hast been my helper. 

And I v\dll rejoice under the covert of thy 
wings : my soul hath stuck to thee : thy right 
hand hath upheld me. 

But they have sought my life in vain, they 
shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 
They shall be put to the sword, they shall be 
the portions of foxes. 

But the King shall rejoice in God, all they 
that swear by him shall be praised : because 
the mouths of them that speak wicked things" 
are stopped. 

Psalm Ixvi. 
May God have m.ercy on us, and bless us : 
may he cause the light of his countenance to 
shine upon us, and m.ay he have mercy on us. 



88 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Ut cognoscamus in terra viam tuam : in 
omnibus gentibus salutare tuum. 

Confiteantur tibi populi, Deus : confiteantur 
tibi populi omnes. 

Lsetentur et exultent gentes : quoniam judi- 
cas populos in aequitate, et gentes in terra di- 
rigis. 

Confiteantur tibi populi, Deus : confiteantur 
tibi populi omnes : terra dedit fructum suum. 

Benedicat nos Deus, Deus noster, benedicat 
nos Deus : et metuant eum omnes fines ter^. 
Gloria Patri, etc. 

A7it. In odorem unguentorum tuorum cur- 
rimus, adolescentulae dilexerunt te nimis. 

A?it. Benedicta filia. 

The Song of the three Children. 

Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, Domino : 
laudate et superexaltate eum in ssecula. 

Benedicite, Angeli Domini, Domino : bene- 
dicite coeli Domino. 

Benedicite, aqu^ omnes^ quae super coelos 
Eunt, Domino : benedicite omnes virtutes Do- 
mini, Domino. 

Benedicite, solet luna, Domino : benedicite, 
Stella cceli, Domino. 

I3enedicite, omnis imber et ros, Domino : 
benedicite, omnes spiritus Dei, Domino. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 89 

That we may know thy way upon earth : thy 
salvation in all nations. 

Let the people praise thee, O God : let all the 
people give praise to thee. 

Let the nations be glad and rejoice : for 
thou judgest the people with justice, and direct- 
est the nations upon earth. 

Let the people, O God, praise thee : let all 
the people give praise to thee : the earth hath 
yielded her fruit. 

May God, our God, bless us, may God bless 
us : and may all the ends of the earth fear him. 

Glory be to the Father^ etc. 

Ant, We run to the odor of thy ointments: 
the young maidens have loved thee exceedingly. 

Ant, Thou, O daughter. 

The Song of the th^'ee Children. 

All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord : 
praise and exalt him above all forever. 

O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord : O 
ye heavens, bless the Lord. 

O all ye waters that are above the heavens-, 
bless the Lord : O all ye powers of the Lord, 
bless the Lord. 

O ye sun and moon, bless the Lord : O ye 
stars of heaven, bless the Lord. 

O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord : 
O all ye spirits of God, bless the Lord. 



go SODALITY OF THE B LESSED VI R GIN MA R Y 

Benedicite, ignis, et sestus, Domino : bene- 
dicite, frigus et aestus, Domino. 

Benedicite, rores et pruina, Domino : bene- 
dicite, gelu et frigus, Domino. 

Benedicite, glacies et nives, Domino : bene- 
dicite, noctes et dies, Domino. 

Benedicite, lux et tenebrae. Domino : bene- 
dicite, fulgura et nubes, Domino. 

Benedicat terra Dominum : laudet, et super- 
exaitet eum in saecula. 

Benedicite, montes et colles, Domino : bene- 
dicite, universa germinantia in terra, Domino. 

Benedicite, fontes, Domino: benedicite, 
maria et fiumina, Domino. 

Benedicite, cete et omnia, quae moventur in 
aquis. Domino : benedicite, omnes volucres 
cceli, Domino. 

Benedicite, omnes bestiae et pecora. Domino : 
benedicite, filii hominum, Domino. 

Benedicat Israel Dominum : laudet, et super- 
exaltet eum in s^cula. 

Benedicite, sacerdotes Domini, Domino : be- 
nedicite, servi Domini, Domino. 

Benedicite, spiritus et animae justorum. Do- 
mino : benedicite, sancti et humiles corde. Do- 
mino. 

Benedicite Anania, Azaria, Misael, Domino : 
laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIX 



O ye fire and heat, bless the Lord : O ye- 
cold and heat, bless the Lord. 

O ye dews and hoar frost, bless the Lord : 
O ye frost and cold, bless the Lord. 

O ye ice and snovv-, bless the Lord : O ye 
nights and days, bless the Lord. 

O ye light and darkness, bless the Lord : O 
ye lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord. 

O let the earth bless the Lord : let it praise 
and exalt him above all forever, 

O ye mountains and hills, bless the Lord : 
O all ye things that spring up in the earth, 
bless the Lord. 

O ye fountains bless the Lord : O ye seas 
and rivers, bless the Lord. 

O ye whales, and all that move in the 
waters, bless the Lord : O all ye fovvds of the 
air, bless the Lord. 

O all ye beasts and cattle, bless the Lord : 
O all ye sons of men, bless the Lord. 

Let Israel bless the Lord : let them praise 
and exalt him above all, forever. 

O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord : 
O ye servants of the Lord, bless the Lord. 

O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the 
Lord : O ye holy and humble of heart, bless 
the Lord. 

O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye 
the Lord : praise and exalt him above all 
forever. 



9 2 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R V 

Benedicamus Patrem, et Filium cum Sancto 
Spiritu : laudemus et superexaltemus eum in 
saecula. 

Benedictus es, Domine, in firmamento cceli : 
et laudabilis, et gloriosus, et superexaltatus in 
s^cula. 

At. Benedicta filia tu a Domino : quia per 
te fructum vitse comm.unicavimus. 

Ant. Pulchra es. 

Psalm cxlviii. 

Laudate Dominum de coelis : laudate eum in 
excelsis. 

Laudate eum, omnes Angeli ejus : laudate 
■eum, omnes virtutes ejus. 

Laudate eum, sol et luna : laudate eum, omnes 
stellce, et lumpen. 

Laudate eum, coeli coelorum : et aquae omnes, 
quas super coelos sunt, iaudent nomen Domini. 

Quia ipse dixit, et facta sunt : ipse mandavit, 
et creata sunt. 

Statuit ea in seternum, et in sseculum saeculi : 
praeceptum posuit, et non praeteribit. 

Laudate Dominum de terra : dracones, et 
omnes abyssi. 

Ignis, grando, nix, glacies, spiritus procel- 
larum : quae faciunt verbumx ejus : 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIX 93 



Let US bless the Father, and the Son, with 
the Holy Ghost : praise and exalt him above 
all forever. 

Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the nrmanient 
of heaven, and praised, and glorified, and ex- 
f| alted above all forever. 

A7it. Thou, O daughter, art blessed of the 
Lord, for through thee have we been made par- 
j takers of the fruit of life. 

Ant, Thou art fair. 

Psalm cxlviii. 
Praise ye the Lord from the heavens : praise 
. ye him in the high places. 

I- Praise ye him, all his angels : praise ye him, 
\ all his hosts. 

(I Praise ye him, ye sun and moon : praise him, 

all ye stars and light. 
! Praise him, ye heavens of heavens : and let 
\ all the waters that are above the heavens, praise 
^ the name of the Lord. 

f For he spake, and they were made : he com- 
I manded, and they were created. 
[ He hath established them forever, and for 
: ages of ages: he hath made a decree, and it 
j shall not pass away. 

I Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, 
and all ye deeps. 

Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds, vv'hich 
fulfil his word : 



94 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

Montes et omnes colles : ligna fructifera, et 
omnes cedri : 

Bestiae, et universa pecora : serpentes, et volu- 
cres pennatse : 

Reges terras et omnes populi : principes et 
omnes judices terrae : 

Juvenes et virgines, senes cum junioribus, lau- 
dent nomen Domini : quia exaitatum est nomen 
ejus solius. 

Confessio ejus super coelum et terram : et ex- 
altavit cornu populi sui. 

Hymnus omnibus Sanctis ejus : filiis Israel, 
populo appropinquanti sibi. 

Psalm cxlix. 

Cantate Domino canticum novum : laus ejus 
in ecclesia sanctorum. 

Lsetetur Israel in eo, qui fecit eum et filii Sion 
exultent in rege suo. 

Laudent nomen ejus in choro : in tympano 
et psalterio psallant ei. 

Quia beneplacitum est Domino in populo 
suo : et exaltabit mansuetos in salutem. 

Exultabunt sancti in gloria; laetabuntur in 
cubilibus suis. 

Exaltationes Dei in gutture eorum : et gladii 
ancipites in manibus eorum : 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 95 



Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees, and 
all cedars : 

Beasts and all cattle : reptiles and feathered 
fowls. 

Kings of the earth, and all peoples : princes 
and all judges of the earth : 

Young men, and maidens : let the old with 
the young praise the name of the Lord : for 
his nam.e alone is exalted. 

The praise of him is above heaven and 
earth : and he hath exalted the horn of his 
people. 

A hymn for all his saints : for the children 
of Israel, a people approaching to him. 

Psalm cxlix. 

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle : let his 
praise be in the church of the saints. 

Let Israel rejoice in him that made him : 
and let the children of Sion be joyful in their 
King. 

Let them praise his name in choir : let them 
sing to him with the timibrel and the psaltery. 

For the Lord is well pleased with his people ; 
and he will exalt the v\^eak unto salvation. 

The saints shall rejoice in glory : they shall 
be joyful in their beds. 

The high praises of God shall be in their 
mouth : and two-edged swords in their hands : 



96 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 



Ad faciendam vindictam in nationibus : in- 
crepationes in populis. 

Ad alligandos reges eorum in compedibus : et 
nobiles eorum in manicis ferreis. 

Ut faciant in eis judicium conscriptum : gloria 
hsec est omnibus Sanctis ejus. 

Psalm cL 

Laudate Dominum in Sanctis ejus : laudate 
eum in firmamento virtutis ejus. 

Laudate eum in virtutibus ejus : laudate eum 
secundum multitudinem magnitudinis ejus. 

Laudate eum in sono tubae ; laudate eum in 
psalterio^ et cithara. 

Laudate eum in tympano et choro : laudate 
eum in chordis, et organo. 

Laudate eum in cymbalis benesonantibus ; 
laudate eum in cymbalis jubilationis : omnis 
spiritus laudet Dominum. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

Atit. Pulchra es et decora, filia Jerusalem : 
terribilis ut castrorum acies ordinata. 

The Little Chapter. 

Viderunt earn filise Sion, et beatissimam 
prsedicaverunt : et reginae laudaverunt earn. 
R. Deo gratias. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 97 

To execute vengeance upon the nations, 
chastisements among the people. 

To bind their kings with fetters, and their 
nobles with manacles of iron, 
r To execute upon them the judgment that is 
[ written : this glory have all his saints. 

Psalm cL 

Praise ye the Lord in his holy places : praise 
ye him in the firmament of his power. 

Praise ye him for his mighty acts : praise ye 
,1 him according to the multitude of his great- 
|; ness. 

I Praise him with sound of trumpet : praise 
him with psaltery and harp. 

Praise him with timbrel and choir : praise 
him with strings and organs. 

Praise him on high-sounding cymbals : praise 
\ him on cymbals of joy : Let every spirit praise 
the Lord. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 
Ant. Thou art fair and comely, O daughter 
of Jerusalem ; terrible as an army set in array. 

The Little Chapter, 

The daughters saw her, and declared her 
most blessed : and the queens, and they praised 
her. 

R. Thanks be to God. 



98 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Hy 17171. 

O gloriosa virginum, 
Sublimis inter sidera. 
Qui te creavit. parvulum 
Lactente nutris ubere. 

Quod Heva tristis abstulit 
Tu reddis almo germine ; 
Intrent ut astra flebiles, 
Coeli recludis cardines. 

Tu regis alti janua, 
Et aula lucis fulgida : 
Vitam datam per Virginem, 
Gentes redemptae, plaudite. 

Jesu, tibi sit gloria, 

Qui natus es de Virgine ; 

Cum Patre et almo Spiritu 

In sempiterna saecula. Amen. 

A7it. Beata Dei genitrix. 

The Ca7iticle of Zachary, 

Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel : quia visi- 
tavit, et fecit redemptionem plebis suae: 

Et erexit cornu salutis nobis : in domo Da- 
vid pueri sui. 

Sicut locutus est per os sanctorum : qui a 
saeculo sunt, prophetarum ejus. 



LITTLE OFFLCE OF THE BLESSED VLRGIN Qg 



Hy 77111. 

O Queen of all the virgin choir, 
Enthroned above the starry sky: 

Who with pure milk from thy own breast 
Thy own Creator didst supply. 

What man hath lost in hapless Eve, 

Thy sacred womb to man restores : ~ : 

Thou to the wretched here beneath 
Hast open'd heaven's eternal doors. 

Hail, O refulgent hall of light : 

Hail, gate sublime of heaven's high King ! 
Through thee redeem' d to endless life. 

Thy praise let all the nations sing. 

O Jesus born of Virgin bright, 

Immortal glory be to Thee : 
Praise to the Father infinite, 

And Holy Ghost eternally. Amen. 

A7it, O blessed ^Mother of God. 

The Ca7iticle of Zachary. 

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel : because 
he hath visited and wrought the redemption of 
his people : 

And he hath raised up for us a horn of salva- 
tion in the house of David his servant. 

As he spoke by the mouth of his holy proph- 
ets, who are from of old : 



lOO SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Salutem ex inimicis nostris : et de manu 
omnium, qui oderunt nos : 

Ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus 
nostris : et memorari testamenti sui sancti. 

Jusjurandum, quod juravit ad Abraham pa- 
trem nostrum, daturum se nobis : 

Ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum nostro- 
rum liberati, serviamus illi. 

In sanctitate, et justitia coram ipso, omnibus 
diebus nostris. 

Et tu puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis : 
praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias 
ejus : 

iVd dandam scientiam salutis plebi ejus : in 
remissionem peccatorum eorum : 

Per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri, in qui- 
bus visitavit nos, oriens ex alto. 

Illuminare his, qui in tenebris, et in umbra 
mortis sedent : ad dirigendos pedes nostros in 
viam pacis. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

Ant, Beata Dei genitrix Maria, Virgo perpe- 
tua, templum Domini, sacrarium Spiritus Sancti, 
sola sine exemplo placuisti Domino nostro Jesu 
Christo : ora pro populo, interveni pro clero, 
intercede pro devoto femineo sexu. 

F. Kyrie eleison. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIX loi 

Deliverance from our enemies, and from the 
hand of all who hate us. 

To perform mercy to our fathers : and to 
remember his holy covenant. 

The oath which he swore to Abraham, our 
father, that he would grant to us. 

That being delivered from the hand of our 
enemies, we may serve him without fear. 

In holiness and justice before him, all our 
days. 

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet 
of the Most High : for thou shalt go before 
the face of the Lord to prepare his ways. 

To give knowledge of salvation to his people, 
unto the remission of their sins. 

Through the tender mercy of our God : in 
which the Orient from on high hath visited us. 

To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and 
in the shadow of death : to direct our feet into 
the way of peace. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Anf. O Blessed ^lother of God, ?>Iary ever 
Virgin, temple of the Lord, sanctuary of the 
Holy Ghost : thou alone, without example, vrast 
well pleasing to our Lord Jesus Christ : pray for 
the people, mediate for the clergy, intercede 
for the devout female sex. 

V. Lord, have mercy on us. 



I02 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



R. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison. 
V. Domine exaudi orationem meam. 
R, Et clamor meus ad te veniat. 

Ore77ius, 

Deus, qui de beatse Marias Virginis utero 
Verbum tuum, Angelo nimtiante, carnem susci- 
pere volaisti : praesta supplicibus tuis : ut, qui 
vere earn Genitricem Dei credimus ejus apud te 
intercessionibus adjuvemur. Per eundem Domi- 
num nostrum, Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, 
qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus 
Sancti, Deus per omnia ssecula saeculorum. 

R. Amen. 

Comme?7ioration of the Saints, 

A7it. Sancti Dei omnes, intercedere digne- 
mini pro nostra ornniumque salute. 

V. Laetamini in Domino, et exultate justi. 
R, Et gloriamini omnes recti corde. 

Ore7nus, 

Protege, Domine, populum tuum, et Apos- 
tolorum tuorum, Petri et Pauli, et aliorum 
apostolorum patricinio confidentem, perpetua 
defensione conserva. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 103 

R. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord have 
mercy on us. 

V. O Lord, hear my prayer. 

R. And let my cry come unto thee. 

Let us pray. 

O God, who wast pleased that Thy Word, at 
the message of an angel, should take flesh in 
the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary : grant 
to us. Thy humble servants, that as we believe 
her to be truly the Mother of God, we may be 
assisted also by her intercession with Thee. 
Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our 
Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the 
unity of the Holy Ghost, God world without 
end. 

R. Amen. 

Comme7iioration of the Saints. 

Ant. All ye saints of God, vouchsafe to 
make intercession for the salvation of us, and 
of all men. 

V. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye 
just. 

R, And glory, all ye right in heart. 

Let us p7'ay. 
Protect, O Lord, Thy people, and let the 
confidence v/e have in the intercession of Thy 
blessed apostles, Peter and Paul, and of Thy 



131 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Omnes Sancti tui, quaesumus, Domine, nos 
ubique adjuvent; ut, dum eorum merita recoli- 
mus, patrocinia sentiamus : et pacem tuam 
nosiris concede temporibus, et ab Ecclesia tua 
cunctam repelle nequitiam : iter, actus et vo- 
Imitates nostras, et omnium famulorum tuorum, 
in saiutis tuae prosperitate dispone : benefac- 
toribus nostris sempiterna bona retribue : et 
omnibus fidelibus defunctis requiem aeternam 
concede. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Chris- 
tum Filium tuum. Amen. 

V. Domine, exaudi orationem^ meam, 

R. Et clamor mens ad te veniat. 

V. Benedicamus Domino. 

R. Deo gratias. 

V. Fidelium animae per misericordiam Dei 
requiescant in pace. 

R. Amen. 

V, Dominus det nobis suam pacem.. 

R. Et vitam aeternam. Amen. 

Here, as also at the end of Complin, one of the Anti- 
phons (p. 128) is said kneeling, except on Sundays, and 
in Easter time, when they are said standing. 

VESPERS. 

Ave ^laria {inmcdibly'). 
V. Deus, in adjutorium meum intende. 
R. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 105 



Other apostles, prevail with Thee to preserve 
and defend us forever. 

May all Thy saints, O Lord, we beseech 
Thee, everywhere assist us, that whilst we cele- 
brate their merits, we may be sensible of their 
protection : grant us Thy peace in our times, 
and repel all v>dckedness from Thy Church : 
prosperously guide the steps, actions, and de- 
sires of us, and all Thy servants, in the way of 
salvation : give eternal blessings to those who 
have done good to us, and everlasting rest to 
the faithful departed. Through our Lord Jesus 
Christ Thy Son. Amen. 

V, O Lord, hear my prayer. 

R, And let my cry come to Thee. 

V. Let us bless the Lord. 

R. Thanks be to God. 

V. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

R. Amen. 

V. May the Lord give us His peace. 
R. And life everlasting. Amen. 

Here, as also at the end of Complin, one of the Anti- 
phons (p. 129) is said Vneeling, except on Sundays and 
in Easter time, when they are said standing. 

VESPERS. 

Hail Mary {inaudibly') . 

V. O God, come to my assistance. 

R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 



Io6 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MAR Y 

V, Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. 

R, Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et sem- 
per, et in saeculorum, Amen. Alleluia. {F?^om 
Septuagesima till Easter : Laus tibi, Domine, 
Rex aeternae gloriae.) 

A7it, Dum esset rex. 

Psahn cix. 

Dixit Dominus Domino meo : sede a dextris 
meis : 

Donee ponam inimicos tuos scabellum 
pedum tuorum. 

Virgam virtutis tuae emittet Dominus ex 
Sion : dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum. 

Tecum principium in die virtutis tu^ in 
splendoribus sanctorum : ex utero ante luci- 
ferum genui te. 

Juravit Dominus et non pcenitebit eum : tu 
es sacerdos in aeternum, secundum ordinem 
Melchisedech. 

Dominus a dextris tuis : confregit in die 
iree suae reges. 

Judicabit in nationibus ; implebit ruinas : 
conquassabit capita in terra multorum. 

De torrente in via bibet : propterea exalta- 
bitcaput. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIX 107 



V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Ghost. 

R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and 
ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 
Alleluia. (^F?'om Septuagesiina till Easter : 
Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal 
glory.) 

Ant, While the King. 

Psalm cix. 

The Lord said to my Lord : sit thou at my 
right hand : 

Until I make thy enemies thy foot -stool. 

The* Lord will send forth the sceptre of thy 
power out of Sion : rule thou in the midst of 
thy enemies. 

With thee is the principality in the day of 
thy strength, in the brightness of the saints, 
from the womib before the day-star I begat thee. 

The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent: 
thou art a priest forever according to the order 
of Melchisedech. 

The Lord at thy right hand hath crushed 
kings in the day of his vrrath. 

He shall judge among nations, he shall fill 
them with ruins : he shall crush the heads in 
the land of many. 

He shall drink of the torrent in the way: 
therefore, shall he lift up the head. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 



loS son A LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 



Anf. Dum esset Rex in accubitu suo, nardus 
mea dedit odorem suavitatis. 

Ant. L^va ejus. 



Psalm cxii. 

Laud ATE, pueri Dominum : laudate nomen 
Domini. 

Sit nomen Domini benedictum : ex hoc 
nunc et usque in saeculum. 

A solis ortu usque ad occasum : laudabile 
nomen Domini. 

Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus : et 
super C(xlos gloria ejus. 

Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster: qui in altis 
habitat et humilia respicit, in ccelo et in terra? 

Suscitans a terra inopem : et de stercore 
erigens pauperem. 

Ut collocet eum cum principibus : cum prin- 
cipibus populi sui. 

Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo : matrem 
liliorum laetantem. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

Anf. L^va ejus sub capite m^eo : et dextera 
illius amplexabitur m.e. 
Ant. Nigra sum. 



LITTLE OFFICE OFTHE BLESSED VIRGIX 109 

Ant. While the king was at his repose, my 
spikenard sent forth an odor of sweetness. 

Ant, His left hand. 

Psalm cxii\ 

Praise the I-ord, ye children : praise ye the 
name of the Lord. 

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from 
henceforth, now and forever. 

From the rising of the sun unto the going 
down of the same, the name of the Lord is 
worthy of praise. 

The Lord is high above all nations : and his 
glory above the heavens. 

Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth 
on high, and looketh down on the low things 
in heaven and on earth ? 

Raismg up the needy from the earth, and 
lifting up the poor out of the dunghill. 

That he may place him with princes, with 
the princes of the people. 

Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a 
house, the joyful mother of children. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Ant. His left hand under my head, and his 
right hand shall embrace me. 



A?it. I am black. 



no SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

Psal77i cxxi. 

Li^:TATUS sum in his, quae dicta sunt mihi : in 
domum Domini ibimus. 

Stantes erant pedes nostri : in atriis tuis 
Jerusalem. 

Jerusalem, quae aedificatur ut civitas : cujus 
participatio ejus in idipsum. 

Illuc enim ascenderunt tribus, tribus Domini : 
testimonium Israel ad confitendum nomini 
Domini. 

Quia illic sederunt sedes in judicio, sedes su- 
per domum David. 

Rogate quae ad pacem sunt Jerusalem : et 
abundantia diligentibus te. 

Fiat pax in virtute tua : et abundantia in 
turribus tuis. 

Propter fratres meos, et proximos meos : 
loquebar pacem de te : 

Propter domum Domini Dei nostri : quaesivi 
bona tibi. 

Gloria Patri. etc. 

Ant. Nigra sum, sed formosa, filiae Jerusalem: 
ideo dilexit me Rex, et introduxit me in cubi' 
culum suum. 

A7it. Jam hiems transiit. 

Psah7i cxxvi. 

Nisi Dominus aedificaverit domum : in vanum 
laboraverunt qui aedificant eam. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 1 1 1 



Fsalm cxxi. 

I REJOICED at the things that were said to 
me : V\'e shall go into the house of the Lord. 

Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jeru- 
salem. 

Jerusalem, Vv^hich is built like a city, which 
is compact together. 

For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes 
of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise 
the namxC of the Lord. 

Because there are set thrones of judgment, 
seats upon the house of David. 

Pray ye for the peace of Jerusalem: and 
abundance for them that love thee. 

Let peace be in thy strength : and abundance 
in thy towers. 

For the sake of my brethren and my neigh- 
bors, I wished peace to thee: 

Because of the house of the Lord our God, 
I have sought good things for thee. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

A7it. I am black, but beautiful, O ye 
daughters of Jerusalem : and, therefore, hath 
the King loved me, and brought me into his 
chamber. 

Ant, Winter is now past. 

Psalm cxxvi. 
Unless the Lord build the house, they labor 
in vain that build it. 



1 1 2 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R V 

Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem : frustra 
vigilat qui custodit earn. 

Vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere : sur- 
gite postquam sederitis, qui manducatis panem 
doloris. 

Cum dederit dilectis tuis somnum : ecce 
haereditas Domini filii ; merces, fructus ventris. 

Sicut sagittae in manu potentis: ita filii ex- 
cussorum. 

Beatus vir qui implevit desiderium suum ex 
ipsis : non confundetur cum loquetur inimicis 
suis in porta. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

Anf. Jam hiems transiit, imber abiit, et 
recessit : surge amica mea, et veni. 

Anf, Speciosa facta es. 

Psalm cxlvii, 

Lauda Jerusalem Dominum : lauda Deum 
tuum Sion. 

Quoniam confortavit seras portarum tuarum: 
benedixit filiis tuis in te. 

Qui posuit fines tuos pacem : et adipe fru- 
menti satiat te. 

Qui emittit eloquium suum terrae: velociter 
currit sermo ejus. 

Qui dat nivem sicut lanam : nebulam sicut 
cinerem spargit. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 113 

Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth 
in vain that keepeth it. 

It is vain for you to rise before light : rise 
after ye have rested, ye that eat the bread of 
sorrow. 

When he shall give sleep to his beloved : 
behold the inheritance of the Lord are chil- 
dren ; the reward, the fruit of the womb. 

As arrows in the hand of the mighty : so the 
children of them that are shaken. 

Blessed is the man that has filled his desire 
with them : he shall not be confounded when 
he shall speak to his enemies in the gate. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
Aitt, Winter is now past : the rain is over 
j and gone : arise, my beloved, and come. 

Ant, Thou art become beautiful. 

Psalm cxlvii. 
, Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem : praise thy 
i God, O Sion. 

! Because he hath strengthened the bolts of 
thy gates : he hath blessed thy children within 
thee. 

Who hath placed peace in thy borders : and 
filleth thee with the finest corn. 

Who sendeth forth his speech to the earth : 
his word runneth swiftly. 

Who giveth snow like wool : scattereth 
mists like ashes. 



114 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Mittit crystallum suam sicut buccellas: ante 
faciem frigoris ejus quis sustinebit. 

Emittet verbum suum, et liquefaciet eja: fla- 
bit spiritus ejus, et fluent aquae. 

Qui annuntiat verbum suum Jacob: justitias, 
et judicia sua Israel. 

Non fecit taliter omni nationi : et judicia 
sua non manifestavit eis. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

Ant. vSpeciosa facta es et suavis in deliciis 
tuis, sancta Dei genitrix. 

The Little Chapter. 

Ab initio, et ante saecula creata sum, et usque 
ad futurum saeculum non desinam, et in habita- 
tione sancta coram ipso ministravi. 

R, Deo gratias. 

Hymn. 

Ave maris Stella, 
Dei mater alma, 
Atque semper virgo, 
Felix coeli porta. 

Sumens illud Ave 
Gabrieiis ore, 
Funda nos in pace 
Mutans Hevae nomen. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 115 

He sendeth his crystal like morsels : who 
i shall stand before the face of his cold ? 
j He shall send out his word, and shall melt 

them : his wind shall blow, and the waters 

shall run. 

I Who declareth his word to Jacob : his pre- 
, cepts and his judgments to Israel. 
I He hath not done in like manner to every 
I nation : and his judgments he hath not made 
' manifest to them. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 
I ApJ, Thou art become beautiful and sweet 
\ in thy delights. O Holy Mother of God. 

I The Little Chaptei'. 

Ij From the beginning, and before the world 
(! was I created; and unto the world to come I 
shall not cease to be ; and in the holy dwelling 
place I have ministered before him. 
R. Thanks be to God. 

Hynm. 

Bright Mother of our Maker, hail, 

Thou Virgin ever blest, 
The ocean's star by which we sail, 
And gain the port of rest. 

Whilst we this Ave thus to thee, 

From Gabriel's mouth rehearse : 
Obtain that peace our lot may be, 
And Eva's name reverse. 



1 6 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Solve vincla reis, 
Prefer lumen caecis, 
Mala nostra pelle, 
Bona cuncta posce. 

Monstra te esse matrem, 
Sumat per te preces, 
Qui pro nobis natus 
Tulit esse tuus. 

Virgo singularis 
Inter omnes mitis, 
Nos culpis solutos. 
Mites fac et castos. 

Vitam prsesta puram, 
Iter para tutum, 
Ut videntes Jesum, 
Semper collaetemur. 

Sit laus Deo Patri, 
Summo Christo decus, 
Spiritui sancto, 
Tribus honor unus. Amen. 

V. Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis. 

Propterea benedixit te Deus in sternum. 
Ant. Beata mater. 

The Magnificat. 
Magnificat aniina mea Dominum. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN nj 

Pvclease our long entangled mind 

From all the snares of ill ; 
With heavenly light instruct the blind, 

And all our vows fulfil. 

Exert for us a mother's care, 

And us thy children own, 
Prevail v/ith him to hear our prayer 

Who chose; to be thy Son. 

O spotless Maid, whose virtues shine 

With brightest purity 
Each action of our lives refine, 

And make us pure like thee. 

Preserve our lives unstained with ill 

In this infectious way ; 
That heaven alone our souls may fill 

With joys that ne'er decay. 

To God the Father endless praise ; 

To God the Son the -same ; 
And Holy Ghost, whose equal rays 

One equal glory claim. Amen. 

V. Grace is poured forth on thy lips. 

i?. Therefore hath God blessed thee forever. 

A/if. Blessed m^other. 

T/ie Magnificat. 
My soul doth magnify the Lord : 



1 1 8 SODA LI TV OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R V 

Et exultavit Spiritus meus in Deo salutari 
meo. 

Quia respexit humilitatem ancill^ suae : ecce 
enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes genera- 
tiones. 

Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est : et 
sanctum nomen ejus : 

Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies : 
timentibus eum. 

Fecit potentiam in brachio suo : dispersit 
superbos mente cordis sui. 

Deposuit potentes de sede : et exaltavit hu- 
miles. 

Esurientes implevit bonis : et divites dimisit 
inanes. 

Suscepit Israel puerum suum : recordatus 
misericordise suae. 

Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros : Abraham 
et semini ejus in ssecula. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

A/it. Beata Mater, et intacta virgo, gloriosa 
regina mundi, intercede pro nobis ad Domi- 
num. 

V. Kyrie eleison. 
. Christe eleison. V. Kyrie eleison. 

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. 

i?. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 119 



And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my 
Saviour. 

Because he hath looked down on the lowli- 
ness of his handmaid, for behold henceforth all 
generations Vvdll call miC blessed. 

Because he that is mighty hath done great 
things for me : and holy is his name. 

And his mercy is from generation unto gen- 
eration to them that fear him.. 

He hath shown might in his arm : he hath 
scattered the proud in the conceit of their 
heart. 

He hath put down the mighty from their 
throne, and hath exalted the humble. 

He hath filled the hungry with good things, 
and the rich he hath sent away empty. 

He hath received his servant Israel, being 
mindful of his mercy. 

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham and 
to his seed forever. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Ant, Blessed mother and inviolate Virgin, 
glorious Queen of the world, intercede for us 
with the Lord. 

V. Lord, have mercy on us. 

R. Christ, have mercy on us. V. Lord 
have mercy on us. 

V. O Lord, hear my prayer, 

R, And let my cry come unto Thee. 



I20 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Or emus. 

Concede nos famulos tuos, qusesumus, Do- 
wnline Deus, perpetua mentis et corporis sani- 
tate gaiidere : et gloriosa beatae Marine semper 
Virginis intercessione, a praesenti liberari tristi- 
tia, et aeterna perfrui l^titia. Per Dominum 
nostrum Jesum Christum filium tum, qui tecum 
vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus 
per omnia saecula saeculorum. 

R, Amen. 

Covimemoration of the Saints, etc., as on page I02. 
COMPLIN. 

Ave Maria {inaudibly^ , 

V. Converte nos, Deus salutaris noster, 
R. Et averte iram tuam a nobis. 

V. Deus in adjutorium meum intende. 
R. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina. 
Gloria Patri, etc. Alleluia. {From Septua- 
gesima till Easter \ Laus tibi, Domine). 

Psahn cxxviii. 

S^PE expugnr verunt me a juventute mea : 
dicat nunc Israel. 

Ssepe expugnaverunt me a juventute mea: 
etenim non potuerunt mihi. 

Supra dorsum meum fabricaverunt peccatores: 
prolongaverunt iniquitatem suam. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIir 121 

Let us pray. 

Graxt. v\'e beseech Thee. O Lord God, that 
we. Thy sen-ants, may enjoy perpetual health, 
both 01 mind and body ; and by the glorious 
intercession of the blessed ]Mar}-, ever Virgin, 
may be delivered from present sorrow, and 
attain unto eternal joy. T / : : ::h our Lord 
Jesus Christ, Thy Son. who '.r-z-ii and reigneth 
with Thee in the unity o: the Koly Ghost, 
God world without end. 

R. Amen. 

Commemoratioi cf:':i Saints^ etc., as on p. 103. 

co::?Lix. 
Hail ]Mary {^i/iaudihh^ . 
V. Convert us, O God our Saviour. 
R, And turn away Thy anger from us. 
V. O God. com.e to my assistance. 
R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia. (R?'o?n 
Se1^tuagesi??ia to Easter : Praise be to Thee, O 

Psa L)}i t'xxviii. 

Often have they fought against me from my 
youth, let Israel now say. 

Often have they fought against me from my 
Duth : but they could not prevail over me. 

The wicked have ^Tought over mv back : 
they have lengthened their iniquities. 



122 SODALITY OF THE BLJ^SSED VIRGIN MAR Y 



Dominus Justus concidit cervices peccatorum: 
confundantur et convertantur retrorsum omnes 
qui oderunt Sion. 

Fiant sicut foenum tectorum : quod prius- 
quam evellatur, exaruit. 

De quo non implevit manum suam qui metit, 
et sinum suum qui manipulos colli git. 

Et non dixerunt qui pr^^teribant : benedic- 
tio Domini super vos : benediximus vobis in 
nomine Domini. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

Psalm cxxix, 

De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine : Do- 
mine, exaudi vocem meam. 

Fiant aures tuse intendentes, in vocem depre- 
cation is meae. 

Si iniquitates observaveris, Domine : Do- 
mine, quis sustinebit ? 

Quia apud te propitiatio est : et proper 
les^em tuam sustinui te, Domine. 

Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus : speravit 
anima mea in Domino. 

A custodia matutina usque ad noctem : spe- 
ret Israel in Domino. 

Quia apud Dominum misericordia : et copi- 
osa apud eum redemptio. 

Et ipse redimet Israel : ex omnibus iniqui- 
tatibus ejus. 

Gloria Patri, etc. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 123 



The Lord, who is just, will cut the necks of 
sinners : let them all be confounded and turned 
back, that hate Sion. 

Let them be as grass upon the tops of houses^ 
which withereth before it be plucked up. 

Whereof the reaper shall not fill his hand^ 
nor he that gathers the sheaves, his bosom. 

And they who passed by, said not, the bless- 
ing of the Lord be upon you : we ha.ve blessed 
you in the name of the Lord. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Psahn cxxix. 

Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O 
Lord ; Lord, hear my voice. 

Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my 
petition. 

If thou regardest iniquities, O Lord : Lord, 
who shall bear it. 

Because with thee there is mercy ; and be- 
cause of thy law, I have waited for thee, O 
Lord. 

My soul has trusted in his word, my soul 
hath hoped in the Lord. 

From the morning watch even till night, let 
Israel hope in the Lord. 
I Because with the Lord there is mercy, and 
I with him plentiful redemption. 
1 And he shall redeem Israel from all its iniqui- 
ties. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 



1 : 4 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED PVR GIN MA R Y 

Psalm cxxx. 

DoMiNE, non est exaltatum cor meum : 
neque elati sunt oculi mei. 

Neque ambulavi in magnis : neque in mira- 
bilibus super me. 

Si 'non humiliter sentiebam : sed exaltavi 
animam meam. 

Sicut ablactatus est super matre sua, ita retri- 
butio in anima mea. 

Speret Israel in Domino : ex hoc nunc et 
usque in saeculum, 

Gloria Patri, etc. 

Hymn. 

Memento, rerum Conditor, 
'Nostri quod olim corporis, 
Sacrata ab alvo Virginis, 
Nascendo, formam sumpseris. 

Maria mater gratiae, 
Dulcis parens clementise 
Tu nos ab hoste protege, 
Et mortis hora suscipe. 

Jesu, tibi sit gloria, 
Qui natus es de Virgine, 
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu, 
In sempiterna ssecula. Amen. 

The Little Chapter. 
Ego mater pulchrse dilectionis, et timoris, et 
agnitionis, et sanctae spei. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIX 125 



Fsalni cxxx. 
Lord, my heart is not exalted : nor are my 
eyes lofty. 

Xor have I walked in great matters, nor in 
wonderful things above m.e. 

If I was not humbly minded, but exalted my 
soul. 

As a child that is weaned is toward his 
mother, so let my soul be rewarded. 

Let Israel hope in the Lord, from henceforth, 
now and forever. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Hym7i. 

Remember, O Creator, Lord ! 

That in the Virgin's sacred womb 
Thou wast conceived and of her flesh 

Didst our mortality assume. 

Mother of grace, O ^Nlary blest, 

To thee, sweet fount of love, we flv r 

Shield us through life and take us hence 
To thy dear bosom, when we die. 

O Jesus, born of Virgin bright. 

Immortal glory be to Thee, 
Praise to the Father inhnite, 

And Roly Ghost eternally. Amen. 

The Little Chapter, 
I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, 
and of knowledge, and of holy hope. 



126 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



R. Deo gratias. 

V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei genitrix. 
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus 
Christi. 

Aiit, Sub tuum praesidium. 

Canticle of Simeon. 

Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine : secun- 
dum verbum tuum in pace. 

Quia viderunt oculi mei : salutare tuum. 

Quod parasti • ante faciem omnium populo- 
rum. 

Lumen ad revelationem gentium : et gloriam 
plebis tuae Israel. 
Gloria Patri, etc. , 

Ant. Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, sancta 
Dei Genitrix : nostras deprecationes ne despi- 
cias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis 
libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. 

F". Kyrie eleison. 

R. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison. 
V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam, 
R. Et clamor mens ad te veniat. 

Ore7?ius. 

Beat^ et gloriosse semper Virginis Mariae, 
quaesumus, Domine, intercessio gloriosa nos 
protegat ; et ad vitam perducat aeternam. Per 
Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 127 



R. Thanks be to God. 
V. Pray for us, O Holy ^vlother of God. 
R. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Ant. We fly to thy pa,tronage. 

Canticle of Simeon. 

Now, O Lord, dost thou dismiss thy servant 
in peace, according to thy word. 

Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, 

AVhich thou hast prepared in sight of all 
nations. 

A light for the illumination of the gentiles, 
and for the glory of thy people Israel. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Ant. We fly to thy patronage, O Holy 
Mother of God: despise not our petitions i i 
our necessities ; but deliver us always from ail 
dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. 

V. Lord, have mercy on us. 

R. Christ have mercy on us. Lord, have 
have m.ercy on us. 

v. O Lord, hear my prayer, 

R. And let my cry come unto Thee. 

Let 21 s pray. 

^vLw the glorious intercession of the blessed 
and glorious Mary, ever Virgin, protect us, we 
beseech Thee, O Lord, and bang us to life 
everlasting. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, 



128 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VLRGIN MARY 

tuum, Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spi- 
ritus Sancti, Deus in saecula saecuiorum. 
R. Amen. 

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. 
R. Et clamor mens ad te veniat, 
V, Benedicamus Domino. 
R. Deo gratias. 

TJie Blessing. 

Benedicat, et custodiat nos omnipotens et 
misericors Dominus, Pater, et Filius, et ^piri- 
tus Sanctus. 

R, Amen, 

Then is said one of the followmg Antiphons of the 
Blessed Virgin, according to the season. 

ANTIPHONS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 

From the First Sunday in Advent to the Pin^iji- 
catiofi, inclusively. 

Alma Redemptoris Mater, quae pervia cceli, 
Porta manes, et Stella maris, succurre cadenti, 
Surgere qui curat populo ; tu quae genuisti, 
Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem, 
Virgo prius ac poster ius ; Gabrielis ab ore 
Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere. 

In Advent. 

V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae. 
R, Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto. 

I 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGI?: 129 

Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth v/ith Thee 
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God world 
without end. 
R. Amen. 

V. O Lord, hear my prayer. 
R, And let my cry come unto Thee. 
V. Let us bless the Lord. 
R. Thanks be to God. 

The Blessing, 
]\Iay the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, 
' Son, and Holy Ghost, bless and preserv^e us. 
R .Amen. 

Then is said one of the following Antiphons of the 
Blessed Virgin, according to the season. 

ANTIPHONS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 

Fro7n the First Sunday in Advent to the Purifi- 
cation, inclusively. 
Mother of Christ, hear thou thy people's cry, 
Star of the deep, and portal of the sky. 
Mother of Him, who thee from nothing made. 
Sinking v\^e strive, and call to thee for aid : 
i O, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee, 
Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see. 

I In Advent. 

V, The Angel of the Lord declared unto 
\ Mary, 

R, And she conceived of the Holy Ghost. 



I30 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Or emus. 

Gratiam tuam, qusesumus, Domine, menti- 
bus nostris infund^ : ut qui, angelo nuntiante, 
Christi Filii tui incarnationem cognovimus, per 
passionem ejus et crucem ad resurrectionis 
gloriam perducamur. Per eundem Christum 
Dominum nostrum. 

R, Amen. 

V. Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobis- 
cum. 

R. Amen. 

From Christmas to Purification. 

V, Post partum, Virgo, inviolata perman- 
sisti. 

R. Dei Genitrix, intercede pro nobis. 
Oremus. 

Deus qui salutis seternae beatse Mariae vir- 
ginitate foecunda humano generi praemia prses- 
titisti ; tribue, quaesumus, ut ipsam pro nobis 
intercedere sentiamus, per quam meruimus, 
Auctorem vitae suscipere Dominum nostrum 
Jesum Christum Filium tuum. 

R, Amen. 

V. Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobis- 
cum. 

R, Amen. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN i^i 



Let US pray. 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy 
grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the 
Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made 
known by the message of an angel, may^ by 
His passion and cross, be brought to the glory 
of His resurrection. Through the same 
Christ our Lord. 

R. Amen. 

V. ]\Iay the divine assistance remain always 
with us. 
R. Amen. 

From Cliristmas to Purification. 
F. After child-birth thou didst remain an 
inviolate Virgin. 

R. Mother of God, m.ake intercession for us. 

Let 2is p7'a\\ 

O GoD, who, by the fruitful virginity of the 
Blessed Virgin ]\Iary, hast given to mankind 
the rewards of eternal salvation; grant, we 
beseech Thee, that we may experience her inter- 
cession for us, through whom we have received 
the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy 
Son. 

R. Amen. 

V, May the divine assistance remain always 
with us. 
R. Amen. 



13,2 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

From the Purification to Easter, 

Ave Regina coelorum ; 
Ave, Domina Angelorum, 
Salve, radix ; salve, porta, 
Ex qua mundo lux est orta, 
Gaude, virgo gloriosa, 
Super omnes speciosa ; 
Vale, O valde decora, 
Et pro nobis Christum exora. 

V, Dignare me laudare te, virgo sac rata. 

R, Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos. 

Or emus. 

Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostras 
praesidium: ut qui sanctae Dei Genitricis memo- 
riam agimus, intercessionis ejus auxilio a nos- 
tris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per eundem 
Christum Dominum nostrum. 

i?. Amen. 

V. Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobis- 
cum. 

R, Amen. 

F7'om Easter to Trinity Eve, 

Regina coeli, laetare. Alleluia; 
Quia, quem meruisti portare. Alleluia ; 
Resurrexit, sicut- dixit. Alleluia. 
Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 133 

From the Purification till Easter. 
Hail, O Queen of heaven enthroned, 
Hail, by angels mistress own'd. 
Root of Jesse, Gate of morn. 
Whence the world's true Light was born. 
Glorious Virgin, joy to thee, 
Loveliest whom in heaven they see ; 
Fairest thou where all are fair, 
Plead with Christ our sins to spare. 
V. Vouchsafe that I may praise thee, O 
sacred Virgm. 

R. Give me strength against thy enemies. 

Let us pray. 

Grant, O merciful God, support to our 
fraility : that we who commemorate the Holy 
Mother of God, may, by the help of her inter- 
cession, arise from our iniquities. Through 
the same Christ our Lord. 

R. Amen. 

V. May the divine assistance remain always 
with us. 
R. Amen. 

From Easter to Tri^iity Eve. 

O Queen of heaven, rejoice. Alleluia ; 
For He whom thou didst deserve to bear, 

Alleluia ; 
Is risen again as He said. Alleluia. 
Pray for us to God, Alleluia , 



134 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, Alleluia. 
R, Quia surrexit Dominus vere, Alleluia. 

Oremus, 

Deus, qui, per resurrectionem Filii tui Do- 
mini nostri Jesu Christi, mundum laetificare 
dignatus es, praesta, quaesumus, ut per ejus Geni- 
tricem virginem Mariam perpetuae capiamus 
gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum 
nostrum. 

R, Amen. 

V. Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobis- 
cum« 

R. Amen. 

From Trinity Sunday to Advent, 

Salve Regina, mater misericordiae ; vita dul- 
cedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus, 
exules filii Evae. Ad te suspiramus, gemen- 
tes et flentes, in hac lacrymarum valle. Eia 
ergo advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes 
oculos ad nos converte. Et Jesum, benedictum 
fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exilium 
ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo 
Maria. 

V, Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Genitrix. 
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus 
Christi. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 135 

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, 
Alleluia. 

R, Because our Lord is truly risen. Alleluia. 

Let us pray. 

O God, who, by the resurrection of Thy 
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased 
to fill the world with joy, grant, we beseech 
Thee, that through the Virgin Mary, His 
Mother, we may receive the joys of eternal life. 
Through the same Christ our Lord. 

R, Amen. 

V. May the divine assistance always remain 
with us. 
R, Amen. 

Fro77t Trinity Sunday to Advent, 
Salve Regina. 

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy; our 
life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do 
we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee 
do we send up our sighs, mourning and weep- 
ing in this vale of tears. Turn, then, most 
gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards 
us, and after this our exile, show unto us the 
blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, 
O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary ! 

V, Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. 

R. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 



136 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Ore7nus. 

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui gloriosae 
Virginis Matris Mariae corpus et animam, ut 
dignum Filii tui habitaculum effici mereretur, 
Spiritu Sancto cooperante, prseparasti ; da ut 
cujus commemoratione laetamur ejus pia inter- 
cessione ab instantibus malis, et a morte per- 
petua liberemur. Per eundem Christum Dom- 
inum nostrum. 

R. Amen. 

V, Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobis- 
.cum. 

Amen. 



LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 137 



Let us pray. 

O almighty and eternal God, who by the 
•co-operation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare 
the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary 
to become the worthy habitation of Thy Son ; 
grant that, as we rejoice in her commemoration, 
so by her gracious intercession we may be 
delivered both from present evils and everlast- 
ing death. Through the same Christ our Lord. 

R. Amen. 

V, May the divine assistance always remain, 
with us. 

Amen. 



OF THE 

IMMACUI/ATIJ C0NC:EPTI0N. 



AT MATINS. 

EjA, mea labia, nunc annuntiate 
Laudes et praeconia Virginis beatse. 

F. Domina, in adjutorium meum intende. 

J^. Me de manu hostium potenter defende. 
Gloria Patri. Alleluia. (^From Septuagesima 
to Easter: Laus tibi, Domine, Rex seternse 
gloriae.) 

Hymn. 

Salve, mundi Domina, 
Coelorum Regina ; 
Salve, Virgo virginum, 
Stella matutina. 

Salve, plena gratia, 
Clara luce divina : 
Mundi in auxilium, 
Domina, festina. 

138 



THB OFFICE 

OF THE 

IMMACUI/ATB CONCEPTION. 



AT MATINS. 

Come, my lips, and wide proclaim 
The Blessed Virgin's spotless fame. 

V. O Lady, make speed to befriend me. 
R, From the hands of the enemy mightily 
defend me. 

V. Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia. 
(^From Septiiagesima to Easter ; Praise be to 
Thee, O Lord, King of everlasting glory. ) 

Hy^nn. 

Hail, Queen of the heavens, 

Hail, Mistress of earth. 
Hail, Virgin most pure, 

Of immaculate birth ; 

Cle ar star of the morning, 
In beauty enshrmed, 
O Lady, make speed 

To the help of mankind. 



139 



I40 SODALITY OB THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Ab seterno Dominus 
Te praeordinavit 
Matrem unigeniti 
Verbi, quo creavit 

Terram, pontum, aethera : 
Te pulchram ornavit 
Sibi Sponsam, quae in 
Adam non peccavit. Amen. 

V. Elegit eam Deus, et praeelegit eam. 

R, In tabernaculo suo habitare fecit eam. 

V. Domina, exaudi orationem meam. 

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. 

Or emus. 

Sancta Maria, Regina coelorum, mater Dom- 
ini nostri Jesu Christi, et mundi Domina, 
quae nullum derelinquis, nullum despicis ; res- 
pice me, Domina, clementer oculis pietatis, 
et impetra mihi apud tuum dilectum Filium 
^ cunctorum veniam peccatorum : ut qui nunc 
tuam sanctam et Immaculatam Conceptionem 
devoto effectu recolo aeternae in futorum beati- 
tudinis bravium capiam, ipso, quem virgo pepe- 
risti, donante Domino nostro Jesu Christo : 
qui cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu vivit et reg- 
nat, in Trinitate perfecta, Deus in saecula s^cu- 
lorum. Amen. 



: OFFICE OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 141 

Thee God in the depth 

Of eternity chose ; 
And formed thee all fair 

As His glorious Spouse ; 

And called thee His Word's 
Own Mother to be, 
By whom He created 
The earth, sky, and sea. Amen. 

V. God elected her, and pre-elected her. 

R, He made her to dwell in His tabernacle. 

V. O Lady, hear my prayer, 

R. And let my cry come unto thee. 

Let us pray. 

Holy Mary, Queen of heaven. Mother of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, and Mistress of the 
world, who forsakest no one, and despisest no 
one ; look upon me, O Lady, with an eye of 
pity, and entreat for me, of thy beloved Son, 
I the forgiveness of all my sins : that, as I now 
i celebrate with devout affection thy holy and 
Immaculate Conception, so, hereafter, I may 
receive the prize of eternal blessedness, by 
the grace of Him whom thou, in virginity, 
didst bring forth, Jesus Christ our Lord : who, 
, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth 
and reigneth, in perfect Trinity, God, world 
without end. Amen. 



142 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

V, Domina, exaudi orationem meam, 
R, Et clamor meus ad te veniat. 
V, Benedicamus Domino. 
R. Deo gratias. 

V. Fidelium animse per misericordiam Dei 
requiescant in pace. 
R, Amen, 

AT PRIME. 

V. DoMiNA, in adjutorium, etc. {^as at Mat- 
ins^ . 

Hymn, 

Salve, Virgo sapiens, 
Domus Deo dicata, 
Columna septemplici 
Mensaque exornata. 

Ab omni contagio 
Mundi prseservata : 
Ante sancta in utero 
Parentis, quam nata. 

Tu mater viventium, 
Et porta es sanctorum : 
■ Nova Stella Jacob, 
Domina angelorum. 

Zabulo terribilis, 

Acies castrorum : 

Portus et refugium 

Sis Christianorum. Amen. 



OFFICE OF IMMACULATE COXCEPTIOy 1 43 

V, O Lady, hear my prayer, 
jR. And let my cry come unto thee. 

V. Let us bless the Lord, 
i?. Thanks be to God. 

V. ;May the souls of the faithful, through 
the mercy of God, rest in peace, 
i?. Amen. 

AT PRIME. 

V. O Lady, make speed, etc. (^as at Mat- 
ins). 

Hxmii. 

Hail, Virgin most wise, 

Hail, Deity's shrine, 
With seven fair pillars. 

And table divine, 

Preserved from the guilt 

Which hath come on us all, 

Exempt, in the womb. 

From the taint of the Fall. 

O new star of Jacob, 

Of Angels the Queen, 
O gate of the Saints, 

O ^Mother of men, 

O terrible as 

The embattled array, 
Be thou of the faithful 

The refuge and stay. Amen. 



1 44 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIR GIN MA R V 

V, Ipse creavit illam in Spiritu Sancto. 
R. Et effudit illam inter omnia opera sua. 
V. Domina, exaudi, etc. (^as at Matins. ) 

AT TIERCE. 

V. DoMiNA, in adjutorium, etc. (^as at Mat- 
ins^, 

Hymn. 

Salve, area foederis, 
Thronus Salomonis, 
Arcus pulcher ^theris, 
Rubus vislonis : 

Virga frondens germinis, 
Vellus Gedeonis : 
Porta clausa numinis, 
Favusque Samsonis. 

Decebat tarn nobilem 
Natum, praecavere 
Ab originali 
Labe Matris Evae 

Almam, quam elegerat, 
Genitricem vere, 
NuUi prorsus sinens 
Culpae subjacere. Amen. 



OFFICE OF IMMA CULA TE CONCEPTION 1 45 

V, The Lord Himself created her in the 
Holy Ghost. 

R, And poured her out among all His works. 
V, O Lady, hear, etc. {^as at Matins'). 

AT TIERCE. 

V. O Lady, make speed, etc. (^as at Mat- 
ins. ) 

Hymn, 

Hail, Solomon's throne, 

Pure arch of the law, 
Fair Rainbow, and bush, 

Which the Patriarch saw. 

Hail, Gideon's fleece, 

Hail, blossoming rod, 
Samson's sweet honeycomb, 

Portal of God, 

Well fitting it was, 

That a Son so divine 
Should preserve from all touch 

Of original sin : 

Nor suffer by smallest 

Defect to be stained, 
That Mother whom He 

For Himself had ordained . Amen. 



146 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



V. Ego in altissimis habito, 

R. Et thronus meus in columna nubis. 

V. Domina, exaudi, etc. (^as at Matins"), 

AT SEXT. 

V. DoMiNA, in adjutorium, etc. {^as at 
Matins. ) 

Hymn. 

Salve Virgo puerpera, 
Templum Trinitatis, 
Angelorum gaudium, 
Cella puritatis : 

Solamen moerentium, 
Hortus voluptatis : 
Palma patientiae, 
Cedrus castitatis. 

Terra es benedicta 
Et sacerdotalis, 
Sancta et immunis 
Culpae originalis. 

Civitas Altissimi, 
Porta orientalis : 
In te est omnis gratia, 
Virgo singulars. Amen. 

V. SicUT lilium inter spinas. 

Sic arnica mea inter filias Adae. 



OFFICE OFIMMA CULA TE CONCEPTION 147 



V. I DWELL in the highest. 
R. And my throne is on the pillar of the 
clouds. 

V. O Lady, hear^ etc. (^as at Matins^. 

AT SEXT. 

V, O Lady, make speed, etc. {^as at Mati?is). 

Hynm. 
Hail, virginal Mother, 

Hail, purity's cell, 
Fair shrine where the Trinity 

Loveth to dwell. 

Hail, garden of pleasure 

Celestial balm. 
Cedar of chastity, 

Martyrdom's palm, 

Thou land set apart 

From uses profane. 
And free from the curse 

Which in Adam began. 

Thou city of God, 

Thou gate of the east. 
In thee is all grace, 

O joy of the blest, x\men. 

V, As the lily among the thorns, 
R. So is my beloved among the daughters 
of Adam. 



14^ SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

V, Domina, exaudi, etc. (^as at Matins^, 

AT NONE. 

V, DoMiNA, in adjutorium, etc. {^as at 
Matins) . 

Hymn. 
Salve, urbs refugii, 
Turrisque munita 
David, propugnaculis 
Armisque insignita. 

In conceptione 
Charitate ignita ; 
Draconis potestas 
Est a te contrita. 

O mulier fortis, 
Et in vita Judith, 
Pulchra Abisag, virgo, 
Verum fovens David, 

Rachel curatorem 
^gypti gestavit ; 
Salvatorem mundi 
Maria portavit. Amen. 

V. ToTA pulchra es, arnica mea. 

R. Et macula originalis numquam fuit in te. 

V. Domina, exaudi, etc. (^as at Matins), 

AT VESPERS. 

V, Domina, in adjutorium {as at Matins). 



OFFICE OF IMMA CULA TE CONCEPTION 1 49 



V. O Lady hear, etc. {^as at Matins), 

AT NONE. 

V. O Lady, make speed, etc. (^as at Mat- 
ins). 

Hynm. 
Hail, city of refuge, 

Hail, David's high tower, 
With battlements crowned 

And girded with power. 

Filled at thy conception 
"With love and with light, 

The dragon by thee 

Was shorn of his might. 

O woman most valiant, 

O Judith thrice blest, 
As David was nursed 

In fair Abisag's breast. 

As the saviour of Egypt 

Upon Rachel's knee, 
So the world's great Redeemer 

Was cherished by thee. Amen. 

V, Thou art all fair, my beloved. 

And the original stain Vv^as never in thee. 
V. O Lady, hear, etc. (^as at Matins), 

at vespers. 
V. O Lady, make speed, etc. (^as oJ Matins.) 



15° SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIS MARY 

Hymn. 
Salve, horologium, 
Quo retrogradiatur 
Sol in decern lineis ; 
Verbum incarnatur, 

Homo ut ab inferis 
Ad summa attollatur, 
Immensus ab Angelis 
Paulo minoratur. 

Solis hiijus radiis 
Maria coruscat ; 
Consurgens aurora 
In conceptu micat. 

Lilium inter spinas, 
Quae serpentis conterat 
Caput : pulchra ut luna 
Errantes collustrat. Amen. 

V. Ego feci in coelis, ut oriretur lumen inde- 
ficiens. 

R. Et quasi nebula texi omnem terram. 
V. Domina, exaudi, etc. {as at Matins). 

AT COMPLIX. 

V. CoxvERTAT nos, Domiua, tuis precibus 
placatus Jesus Cliristus Filius tuus. 
R. Et avertat iram suam a nobis. 
V. Domina, in adjutorium, etc. {as at Afat- 

171S). 



OFFICE OF IMMA CULA TE CONCEPTION 1 5 1 

Hymn. 
Hail, dial of Achaz, 

On thee the true sun 
Told backward the course 

Which from old he had run, 

And, that man might be raised, 

Submitting to shame, 
A little more low 

Than the angels became. 

Thou, wrapt in the blaze 

Of His infinite light, 
Dost shine as the morn 

On the confines of night: 

As the moon on the lost 
Through obscurity dawns ; 

The serpent's destroyer, 

A lily 'mid thorns. Amen. 

V. I MADE an unfailing light to arise in 
heaven, 

R. And as a mist I overspread the whole 
earth. 

V. O Lady, hear, etc. (^as at Matins^. 

AT COMPLIN. 

F. May Jesus Christ, thy Son, reconciled 
by thy prayers, O Lady, convert our hearts, 
R. And turn away His anger from us. 
V, O Lady, make speed, etc. (^as at Matins'), 



152 OFFICE OF IMMA CULA TE CONCEPTION 

Hy77in. 

Salve, Virgo florens 
Mater illibata, 
Regina clementiae, 
Stellis coronata. 

Super omnes angelos 
Pura immaculata, 
Atque ad regis dexteram 
Stans veste deaurata. 

Per te Mater gratiae, 
Dulcis spes reorum. 
Fulgens Stella maris, 
Portus naufragorum, 

Patens coeli janua, 

Salus iniirmorum, 

Videamus Regem, 

In aula sanctorum. Amen. 

V, Oleum effusum, Maria, nomen tuum. 

Servi tui dilexerunt te nimis. 
V, Domina exaudi, etc. (^as at Matins), 

THE COMMENDATION. 

SupPLiCES ofFerimus 
Tibi, Virgo pia, 
Haec laudum praeconia ; 
Fac nos ut in via 



OFFICE OF IMMA CULA TE CONCEPTION I53 

Hymn, 

Hail, Mother most pure, 

Hail, Virgin renowned, 
Hail, Queen with the stars 

As a diadem crowned, 

Above all the angels 

In glory untold, 
Standing next to the King 

In a vesture of gold. 

O Mother of mercy, 

O star of the wave, 
O hope of the guilty, 

O light of the grave, 

Through thee may we come 

To the haven of rest, 
And see heaven's King 

In the courts of the blest. Amen. 

V, Thy name, O Mary, is as oil poured out. 
R. Thy servants have loved thee exceed- 
ingly. 

V, O Lady, hear, etc. {as at Afatins), 

THE COMMENDATION. 

These praises and prayers 

I lay at thy feet, 
O Virgin of virgins, 

O Mary most sweet. 



154 SODALITY ^^F THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Ducas cursu prospero ; 

Et in agonia 

Tu nobis assiste, 

O dulcis Maria. Amen. 



R, Deo gratias. 



OFFICE OF IMMA CULA TE CONCEPTIOJSi 



Be thou my true guide 

Through this pilgrimage here ; 

And stand by my side 

When death draweth near. x\men. 

R. Thanks be to God. 



THB OFFICE OF THB DJ^AD. 



VESPERS. 

Anf. Placebo Domino in regione vivorum. 
Psab?i cxiv. 

DiLEXi quoniam exaudiet Dominus : vocem 
orationis meae. 

Quia inclinavit aurem suam mihi : et in 
diebus meis invocabo. 

Circumdederunt me dolores mortis : et peri- 
cula inferni invenerunt me. 

Tribulationem et dolorem inveni : et nomen 
Domini invocavi. 

O Domine, libera animam meam : misericors 
Dominus, et Justus : et Deus noster miseretur. 

Custodiens parvulos Dominus : humiliatus 
sum, et liberavit me. 

Converte, anima mea, in requiem tuam : 
quia Dominus benefecit tibi. 

Quia eripuit animam meam de morte : ocu- 
los meos a lacrymis, pedes meos a lapsu. 

Placebo Domino : in regione vivorum. 

Requiem seternam dona eis, Domine : 

Et lux perpetua luceat eis. 

156 



THB OFFICE OF TH:e DiJ^AD. 



VESPERS. 

Ant. I will please the Lord in the land of 
the living. 

Fsalm cxiv. 

I HAVE loved, because the Lord will hear 
the voice of my prayer. 

Because he hath inclined his ear to me : 
and in my days I will call upon him. 

The sorrows of death have compassed me : 
and the perils of hell have found me. 

I met with trouble and sorrow : and I called 
upon the name of the Lord. 

0 Lord, deliver my soul: the Lord is merciful 
and just, and our God showeth mercy. 

The Lord is the keeper of the little ones : I 
was humbled, and he delivered me. 

Turn, O my soul, into thy rest : for the 
Lord hath been bountiful to thee. 

For he hath delivered my soul from death : 
my eyes from tears : my feet from falling. 

1 will please the Lord in the land of the 
living. 

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord : 
And let perpetual light shine on them. 

157 



158 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Ant, Placebo Domino in regione vivorum. 

Ant. Heu mihi, Domine, quia incolatus 
mens prolongatus est. 

Psahn cxix. 

Ad Dominum cum tribularer clamavi : et ex- 
audivit me. 

Domine, libera animam meam a labiis iniquis, 
et a lingua dolosa. 

Quid detur tibi, aut quid apponatur tibi ad 
lingnam dolosam ? 

Sagittae potentis acut^, cum carbonibus deso- 
latoriis. 

Heu mihi, quia incolatus mens prolongatus 
est ! habitavi cum habitantibus Cedar : multum 
incola fuit anima mea. 

Cum his qui oderunt pacem, eram pacificus : 
cum loquebar illis, impugnabant me gratis. 

Requiem aeternam, etc. 

Ant, Heu mihi, Domine, quia incolatus 
meus prolongatus est. 

Ant. Dominus custodit te ab omni malo : 
custodiat animam tuam Dominus. 

Psalm cxx. 

Levavi oculos meos in montes, unde veniet 
auxilium mihi. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



Ant. I will please the Lord in the land of 
iithe living. 

i 

! Ant, Woe is me that my sojourning is pro- 
i longed. 

Psalm cxix. 
In my trouble I cried to the Lord and he 
heard me. 

0 Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips, 
and a deceitful tongue. 

What shall be given to thee, or what shall be 
iadded to thee, to a deceitful tongue ? 

The sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals 
' that lay waste. 

Woe is me, that my sojourning is prolonged ; 
j I have dwelt with the inhabitants of Cedar : 
'my soul hath been long a sojourner. 

With them that hated peace I was peaceful : 
when I spoke to them, they fought against me 
'without cause. 

' Grant them eternal rest, etc. 

A?it. Woe is me, that my sojourning is pro- 
longed. 

Ant. The Lord keepeth thee from all evil : 
may the Lord keep thy soul. 

Psahn cxx. 

1 HAVE lifted up my eyes to the mountains, 
from whence help shall come to me. 



l6o SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Auxilium meum a Domino, qui fecit coelum 
et terrain. 

Non det in commotionem pedem tuum, neque 
dormitet, qui custodit te. 

Ecce non dormitabit, neque dormiet, qui 
custodit Israel. 

Dominus custodit te, Dominus protectio tua, 
super manum dexteram tuam. 

Per diem sol non uret te, neque luna per 
noctem. 

Dominus custodit te ab omni malo: custodiat 
animam tuam Dominus. 

Dominus custodiat introitum tuum, et exi- 
tum tuum : ex hoc nunc, et usque in saeculum. 

Requiem aeternam, etc. 

Anf. Dominus custodit te ab omni malo : 
custodiat animam tuam Dominus. 

Anf. Si iniquitates observaveris Domine :. 
Domine, quis sustinebit ? 

Psalm cxxix. 

De profundis clamavi ad te Domine: Dom- 
ine, exaudi vocem meam. 

Fiant aures tuae intendentes : in vocem de- 
precationis meae. 

Si iniquitates observaveris, Domine: Domine,. 
nuis sustinebit ? 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD l6x 

My help is from the Lord, who made heaven 
and earth. 

May he not suffer thy foot to shp : neither 
let him that keepeth thee slumber. 

Behold he that keepeth Israel shall neither 
slumber nor sleep. 

The Lord is thy keeper : the Lord is thy 
protection upon thy right hand. 

The sun shall not burn thee by day ; nor the 
moon by night. 

The Lord keepeth thee from all evil : may 
the Lord keep thy soul. 

May the Lord guard thy coming in and thy 
going out : from hencetorth, now and forever. 

Grant them eternal rest, etc. 

Ant. The Lord keepeth thee from all evil : 
may the Lord keep thy soul. 

Ant, If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, 
Lord, who shall stand ? 

Psalm cxxix. 

Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O 
Lord : Lord, hear my voice. 

Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my 
supplication. 

If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, Lord, 
who shall stand ? 



I62 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Quia apud te propitiatio est : et propter legem 
team sustinui te, Domine. 

Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus : speravit 
anima mea iPx Domino. 

A custodia matutina usque ad noctem : 
speret Israel in Domino. 

Quia apud Dominum misericordia : et copi- 
osa apud eum redemptio. 

Et ipse redimet Israel : ex omnibus iniquita- 
tibus ejus. 

Requiem aeternam, etc. 

A7tt. Si iniquitates observaveris, Domine : 
Domine, quis sustinebit ? 

Ant. Opera manuum tuarum, Domine, ne 
despicias. 

Fsab7i cxxxvii, 

CoNFiTEBOR tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo: 
quoniam audisti verba oris mei. 

In conspectu angelorum psallam tibi: adorabo 
ad templum sanctum tuum, et conlitebor 
nomini tuo. 

Super misericordia tua, et veritate tua : quo- 
niam magnificasti super omne, nomen sanctum 
tuum. 

In quacumque die invocavero te, exaudi me: 
multipiicabis in anima mea virtutem. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



For with thee there is merciful forgiveness ; 
and by reason of thy law, I have waited for 
thee, O Lord. 

My soul hath relied on his word ; my soul 
hath hoped in the Lord. 

From the morning watch even until night, 
let Israel hope in the Lord. 

Because with the Lord there is mercy : and 
with him plentiful redemption. 

And he shall redeem Israel from all his ini- 
quities. 

Eternal rest grant to them, etc. 
Ant. If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, 
Lord, who shall stand? 

Ant, Despise not, O Lord, the works of thy 
hands. 

Psahn CXXXZ-ll , 

I WILL praise thee, O Lord, with my whole 
heart: for thou hast heard the vrords of my 
mouth. 

I will sing praise to thee in the sight of the 
angels ; I will worship toward thy holy temple, 
and I will give glory to thy name. 

For thy mercy, and for thy truth : for thou 
hast magnified thy holy name above all. 

In what day soever I shall call upon thee, 
hear me : thou wilt multiply strength m my 
soul. 



1 64 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGLX MARY 

Confiteantur tibi, Domine, omnes reges 
terrae ; quia audierunt omnia verba oris tui. 

Et cantent in viis Domini : quoniam magna 
est gloria Domini. 

Quoniam excelsus Dominus, et humilia res- 
picit ; et alta a longe cognoscit. 

Si ambulavero in medio tribulationis vivifica- 
bis m.e : et super iram inimicorum meorum ex- 
tendisti manum tuam, et salvum me fecit dex- 
tera tua. 

Dominus retribuet pro me : Domine miseri- 
cordia tua in sseculum : opera manuum tuarum 
ne despicias. 

Requiem seternam, etc. 

Ant. Opera manuum tuarum, Domine, ne 
despicias. 

V. Audivi vocem de coelo dicentem mihi. 
i?. Beati mortui qui in Domino moriuntur. 

Ant. Omne quod dat mihi Pater ad me veniet : 
et cum qui venit ad me non ejiciam foras. 

The Magnificat. 

Magnificat anima mea Dominum. 
Et exultavit spiritus mens : in Deo salutari 
meo. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



May all the kings of the earth give glory to 
thee : for they have heard all the words of thy 
mouth. 

And let them sing in the ways of the Lord : 
for great is the glory of the Lord. 

For the Lord is high, and looketh on the 
low ; and the high he knoweth afar off. 

If I shall walk in the midst of tribulation, 
thou wilt quicken me : and thou hast stretched 
forth thy hand against the wrath of my ene- 
mies : and thy right hand hath saved me. 

The Lord will repay for me : thy mercy, O 
Lord, endureth forever : O despise not the 
works of thy hands. 

Grant them eternal rest, etc. 

A7it. Despise not, O Lord, the works of Thy 
hands. 

V. I heard a voice from heaven, saying to me. 
R. Blessed are the dead, who die in the 
Lord. 

Ant. All that the Father giveth me, shall 
come to me : and him that cometh to me I 
will not cast out. 

The Magnificat, 

My soul doth magnify the Lord. 
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my 
Saviour. 



1 66 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Quiarespexit humilitatem ancillae suae : 'ecce 
enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes genera- 
tiones. 

Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est : et 
sanctum nomen ejus. 

Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies: 
timentibus eum. 

Fecit potentiam in brachio suo : dispersit 
superbos mente cordis sui. 

Deposuit potentes de sede : et exaltavit hu- 
miles. 

Esurientes implevit bonis : et divites dimisit 
inanes. 

Suscepit Israel puerum suum : recordatus 
misericordise suae. 

Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros : Abraham, 
et semini ejus in saecula. 

Requiem aeternam, etc. 

Ant. Omne quod dat mihi Pater ad me ve- 
niet : et eum qui venit ad me non ejiciam foras. 
The following prayers are said kneeling. 

Pater noster {the j^est inaudibly^. 

V. Et ne nos induces in tentationem. 
i?. Sed libera nos a malo. 

Psalm cxlv. 
Lauda, anima mea Dominum ; laudabo 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



167 



Because he hath regarded the humihty of 
his handmaid : for behold, from henceforth 
all generations shall call me blessed. 

For he that is mighty hath done great things 
to me : and holy is his name. 

And his mercy is from generation to gen- 
eration : to them that fear him. 

He hath showed might in his arm : he hath 
scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. 

He hath put down the mighty from their 
seat : and hath exalted the humble. 

He hath filled the hungry Vv'ith good things: 
and the rich he hath sent away empty. 

He hath received his servant Israel: being 
mindful of his mercy. 

As he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and 
to his seed forever. 

Eternal rest, etc. 

Ant, All that the Father giveth me shall 
come to me : and him that cometh to me I 
will not cast out. 

The following prayers are said kneeling. 

Our Father (^the rest inaudidly) . 

V. And lead us not into temptation. 
R. But deliver us from evil. 

Psalm cxlzK 
Praise the Lord, O my soul : in my life I 



1 68 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Dominum in vita mea : psallam Deo meo quam- 
diu fuero. 

Nolite confidere in principibus : in filiis ho- 
minum, in quibus non est salus. 

Exibit spiritus ejus, et revertetur in terram 
suam ; in ilia die peribunt omnes cogitationes 
eorum. 

Beatus cujus Deus Jacob adjutor ejus, spes 
ejus in Domino Deo ipsius : qui fecit coelum 
et terram, mare, et omnia quae in eis sunt. 

Qui custodit veritatem in sseculum facit judi- 
cium injuriam patientibus : dat escam esurienti- 
bus. 

Dominus solvit compeditos : Dominus illu- 
minat caecos. 

Dominus erigit elisos : Dominus diligit justos. 

Dominus custodit advenas: pupillum et vidu- 
am suscipiet, et vias peccatorum disperdet. 

Regnabit Dominus in saecula : Deus tuus, 
Sion, in generationem et generationem. 

Requiem seternam, etc. 

V. A porta inferi. 

R, Erue, Domine, animas eorum. 

V, Requiescant in pace. 

R. Amen. 

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. 
R^ Et clamor meus ad te veniat. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 1 69 

will praise the Lord: I will sing to my God as 
long as I shall be. 

Put not your trust in princes; in the chil- 
dren of men, in whom there is no salvation. 

His spirit shall go forth, and he shall return 
into his earth ; in that day all their thoughts 
shall perish. 

Blessed is he who hath the God of Jacob for 
his helper ; whose hope is in the Lord his God ; 
who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all 
things that are in them 

Who keepeth truth forever \ who executeth 
judgment for them that suffer wrong ; who giv- 
eth food to the hungry. 

The Lord looseth them that are fettered ; 
the Lord enlighteneth the blind. 

The Lord lifteth up them that are cast down ; 
the Lord loveth the just. 

The Lord keepeth the strangers ; he will 
support the fatherless and the widow ; and the 
ways of sinners he will destroy. 

The Lord shall reign forever; thy God, O 
Sion, from generation to generation. 

Grant them eternal rest, etc. 

V. From the gates of hell. 

R. Deliver their souls, O Lord. 

F. May they rest in peace. 

R, Amen. 

V. O Lord, hear my prayer, 

R, And let my cry come to Thee. 



1 70 son A LIT Y OF THE BLESSED VIR GIN MA R Y 



Oreiniis. 

Absolve, qusesumus, Domine, animam famuli 
tui, N., fratris nostri, ut defunctus saeciilo, tibi 
vivat: et quae per fragilitatem carnis humana 
conversatione commisit, tu venia misericordis- 
simas pietatis clementer absterge. 

Deus, veniae largitor, et humanae salutis ama- 
tor ; qusesumus clementiam tuam, ut nostras 
congregationis fratres, propinquos et benefacto- 
res, qui ex hoc saeculo transierunt, beata Maria 
semper Virgine intercedente,cum omnibus Sanc- 
tis tuis, ad perpetuae beatitudinis consortium 
pervenire concedas. 

Fidelium Deus, omnium Conditor et Re- 
demptor, animabus famulorum famularumque 
tuarum remissionem cunctorum tribue peccato- 
rum : ut indulgentiam, quam semper optave- 
runt, piis supplicationibus consequantur. Qui 
vivis et regnas, cum Deo Patre, in unitate Spir- 
itus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. 

R, Amen. 

V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, 

R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. 

V, Requiescant in pace. i?. Amen. 

For a Bishop or Priest. 
Deus, qui inter apostolicos sacerdotes fam.u- 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



171 



Let us pray. 

Absolve, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the soul 
of Thy servant, N. , that, being dead to the 
world, he (^or she) may live to Thee ; and 
whatever he {^or she) has committed through 
human frailty, do Thou wipe away by the par- 
don of Thy most merciful goodness. 

O God, the giver of pardon, and lover of 
hum.an salvation, we beseech Thy clemency 
to grant that the brethren, .relations, and bene- 
factors of our congregation, Vv^ho have de- 
parted this life, may, by the intercession of 
the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, and of all Thy 
saints, attain to the fellowship of eternal beati- 
tude. 

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all 
the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants 
departed, the remission of all their sins ; that, 
through pious supplication, they may obtain 
the pardon which they have always desired ; 
who livest and reignest with God, the Father, 
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, 
world without end. 

R. Amen. 

V. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, 
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them. 
V. May they rest in peace. R. Amen. 

For a Bishop or Priest. 
O God, who amongst apostolic priests hast 



172 ^OnA LITYOF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

lum tuum, N., pontificali (seu sacerdotali) 
fecisti dignitate vigere : prsesta, qusesumus, ut 
eorum quoque perpetuo aggregetur consortio. 
Per Dominum nostrum, Jesum Christum Filium 
tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat, in unitate Spi- 
ritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. 
Amen. 

V. Anima ejus et animae omnium fidelium 
per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace. 
R, Amen. 




OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



adorned Thy servant, N. , with the episcopal (^or 
sacerdotal) dignity ; grant, we beseech Thee, 
that he may also be associated with them in 
everlasting fellowship. Through our Lord 
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth 
with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, 
one God, world without end. Amen. 

V. May his soul and the souls of all the faith- 
ful departed, through the mercy of God rest in 
peace. 

R, Amen. 



MATINS. 



The following Invitatory is recited on All-Souls' Day. 
At other times it is omitted, and the Office begins with 
the Antiphon of the Psalms. 

THE INVITATORY. 

Fref, Regem cui omnia vivunt, venite adore- 
mus. 

AIL Regem cui omnia vivunt, venite adore- 
mus. 

Psalm xciv. 

Pref. Venite exultemus Doimno, jubilemus 
Deo salutari nostro ; praeoccupemus faciem ejus 
in confessione, et in psalmis jubilemus ei. 

AIL Regem cui omnia vivunt, venite adore - 
mus. 

Pref, Quoniam Deus magnus Dominus, et 
Rex magnus super om.nes deos : quoniam non 
repellet Dominus plebem suam, quia in manu 
ejus sunt omnes fines terrae ; et altitudines 
montium ipse conspicit. 

AIL Venite adoremus. 

Pref, Quoniam ipsius est mare, et ipse fecit 
illud, et aridam fundaverunt manus ejus : Venite 
adoremus, et procidamus ante Deum : plore- 
mus coram Domino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est 
Dominus Deus noster : nos autem populus 
ejus, et oves pascuse ejus. 

174 



MATINS. 



The following Invitatory is recited on All-Souls' Day. 
At other times it is omitted, and the Office begins with 
the Antiphon of the Psalms. 

THE INVITATORY. 

Pref, Come let us adore the King, to ^yhom 
all things live. 

AIL Come let us adore the King, to whom 
all things live. 

Psalm xctv. 

Pre/, Come, let us praise the Lord with joy : 
let us joyfully sing to God our Saviour. Let us 
come before his presence with thanksgiving : 
and make a joyful noise to him with psalms. 

All. Come, let us adore the King, to whom 
all things live. 

Pre/. For the Lord is a great God, and a 
great King above all gods. For the Lord will 
not reject his people. For in his hands are all 
the ends of the earth : and the heights of the 
mountains he beholdeth. 

All. Come let us adore. 

Pre/. For the sea is his and he made it : and 
his hands formed the dry land. Come let us 
adore and fall down, and weep before the 
Lord that made us. For he is the Lord our 
God : and we are the people of his pasture, 
and the sheep of his hand. 

175 



I 76 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

AIL Regem cui omnia vivunt, venite adore- 
mus. 

Fref. Hodie si vocem ejus audieritis, nolite 
obdurare corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatione 
secundum diem tentationis in deserto : ubi 
tentaverunt me patres vestri, probaverunt, et 
viderunt opera mea. 

AIL Venite adoremus. 

Pref' Quadraginta annis proximus fui gene- 
rationi huic, et dixi, semper hi errant corde : 
ipsi vero non cognoverunt vias meas, quibus 
juravi in ira mea, si introibunt in requiem 
meam. 

AIL Regem cui omnia vivunt, venite adore- 
mus. 

Pref. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, 
et lux perpetua luceat eis. 
AIL Venite adoremus. 

Pref, Regem cui omnia vivunt, venite ado- 
remus. 

Ant, Dirige, Domine, Deus mens, in con- 
spectu tuo viam meam. 

Psalm V. 

Verba mea auribus percipe, Domine : intel- 
lige clamorem meum. 

Intende voci orationis meae : Rex mens, et 
Deus mens. 

Quoniam ad te orabo : Domine, mane ex- 
audies vocem meam. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



All. Come, let us adore the King, to whom, 
all things live. 

Pref. To-day, if you hear his voice harden 
not your hearts. As in the provocation, ac- 
cording to the day of temptation in the wilder- 
ness: where your fathers tempted me, they 
proved me, and saw my works. 

All, Come let us adore. 

Pref. Forty years long was I offended with 
that generation, and I said, these always err in 
heart. And these men have not known my 
j ways : so I swore in my wrath, that they shall 
I not enter into my rest. 

All. Come, let us adore the King, to whom 
all things live. 

Pref. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and 
let perpetual light shine on them. 

All, Come, let us adore. 

All. Come, let us adore the King, to whom 
all things live. 

Ant. Direct, O Lord, my God, my steps in 
|i thy sight. 

Psalm V, 

Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand 
my cry. 

Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O vay 
King and my God. 

For to thee will I pray : O Lord, in the 
morning thou shalt hear my voice. 



178 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Mane astabo tibi et videbo : quoniam non 
deus volens iniquitatem tu es. 

Neque habitabit juxta te malignus : neque 
permanebunt injusti ante oculos tuos. 

Odisti omnes qui operantur iniquitatem : 
perdes omnes, qui loquuntur mendacium. 

Virum sanguinum et dolosum abominabi- 
tur Dominus : ego autem in multitudine miseri- 
cordiae tuse. 

Introibo in domum tuam: adorabo ad temp- 
lum sanctum tuum, in timore tuo. 

Domine, deduc me in justitia tua : propter 
inimicos meos dirige in conspectu tuo viam 
meam. 

Quoniam non est in ore eorum Veritas : cor 
eorum vanum est. 

Sepulchrum patens est guttur eorum: linguis 
suis dolose agebant, judica illos, Deus. 

Decidant a cogitionibus suis, secundum mul- 
titudinem impietatum eorum expelle eos: quo- 
niam irntaverunt te, Domine. 

Et lastentur oinnes qui sperant in te, ster- 
num exultabunt : et habitabis in eis. 

Et gloriabuntur in te omnes, qui diligunt 
nomen tuum: quoniam tu benedices justo. 

Domine, ut scuto bonae voluntatis tuas: coro- 
nas ti nos. 

Requiem seternam, etc. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



In the morning I shall stand before thee, and 
will see : because thou art not a God that 
willeth iniquity. 

Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee : 
nor shall the unjust abide before thy eyes. 

Thou hatest all workers of iniquity : thou 
wilt destroy all that speak a lie. 

The Lord abhorreth the bloody and deceitful 
man. But as for me I will come into thy 
house in the multitude of thy mercy : in thy 
fear I will worship in thy holy temple. 

Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice : be- 
cause of my enemies, direct my way in thy 
sight. 

For there is no truth in their mouth : their 
heart is vain. 

Their throat is an open sepulchre : with 
their tongues they deal deceitfully : judge them, 
O God. 

Let them fall from their devices ; according 
to the multitude of their iniquities cast them 
out : for they have provoked thee, O Lord. 

But let all that hope in thee be glad : they 
shall rejoice forever, and thou shalt dwell in 
Liem. 

And all they that love thy name shall glory 
in thee. For thou wilt bless the just. 

O Lord, thou hast crowned us with thy good 
will as with a shield. 

Grant them eternal rest, etc. 



l8o SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

Ant. Dirige, Domine, Deus meus, in con- 
spectu tuo, viam meam. 

Ant. Convertere, Domine, et eripe animam 
meam ; quoniam non est in morta, qui memor 
sit tui. 

Psalm vi. 

Domine, ne in furore tuo arguas me : neque 
in ira tua corripias me. 

Miserere mei, Domine, quoniam infirmus 
sum : Sana me Domine quoniam conturbata 
sunt ossa mea. 

Et anima mea turbata est valde : sed tu, 
Domine, usquequo? 

Convertere, Domine, et eripe animam meam: 
salvum m.e fac propter misericordiam tuam. 

Quoniam non est in morte, qui memor sit 
tui : in inferno autem quis confitebitur tibi ? 

Laboravi in gemitu meo, lavabo per singulas 
noctes lectum meum : lacrimis meis stratum 
meum rigabo. 

Turbatus est a furore oculus meus : invetera- 
vi inter omnes inimicos meos. 

Discedite a me omnes qui operamini iniqui- 
tatem : quoniam exaudivit Dominus vocem fle- 
tus mei. 

Exaudivit Dominus deprecationem meam : 
Dominus, orationem meam suscepit. 

Erubescant et conturbentur vehementer om- 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



i8j 



Aftt. Direct, O Lord my God, my steps in 
thy sight. 

A7it. Turn, O Lord, and deliver my soul : 
for there is none in death who will be mindful 
of thee. 

Fsalm vi. 

0 Lord, rebuke me not in thy anger, nor 
chastise me in thy wrath. 

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak : 
heal me, O Lord, for my bones are sore. 

And my soul is troubled exceedingly : but 
thou, O Lord, how long ? 

Turn, O Lord, and deliver my soul : O save 
me, for thy mercy's sake. 

For in death there is no one that is mindful 
of thee : and who shall praise thee in hell ? 

1 have labored in my groanings. every night 
I wash my bed : I water my couch with my 
tears. 

My eye is troubled through indignation : I 
hr/e grown old amidst all my enemies. 

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity : 
for the Lord hath heard the voice of my v^eep- 
ing.^ 

The Lord hath heard my supplication : the 
Lord hath received my prayer. 

Let all my enemies be put to shame, and be 



1 82 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



nes inimici mei : convertantur et erubescant 
valde velociter. 

Requiem aeternam, etc. 

Ant, Convertere, Domine, et eripe animam 
meam : quoniam non est in morte, qui memor 
sit tui. 

Ant. Nequando rapiat ut leo animam meam : 
dum non est qui redimat, neque qui salvum 
faciat. 

Psalm vii, 

Domine Deus meus, in te speravi : salvum me 
fac ex omnibus persequentibus me, et libera me. 

Ne quando rapiat ut leo animam meam : dum 
non est qui redimat, neque qui salvum faciat. 

Domine Deus meus, si feci istud : si est ini- 
quitas in manibus meis. 

Si reddidi retribuentibus mihi mala : decidam 
merito ab inimicis meis inanis. 

Persequatur inimicus animam meam , et com- 
prehendat, et conculcet in terra vitam meam : 
et gloriam meam in pulverem deducat. i 

Exurge, Domine, in ira tua: et exaltare in fini- 
bus inimicorum meorum. , 

Et exurge, Domine Deus meus, in prseceptol 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



183 



very much troubled : let them be turned back, 
and put to shame very speedily. 

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let 
perpetual light shine on them. 

Ant. Turn, O Lord, and deliver my soul : 
for there is none in death who will be mindful 
of thee. 

Ant. Lest at any time like a lion he seize 
upon my soul, while there is no one to rescue 
me. 

Psalm vii, 

O Lord my God, in thee have I put my trust : 
save me and deliver me from all them that per- 
secute me. 

Lest at any time, like a lion, he seize upon 
my soul, while there is no one to rescue me, or 
to save. 

O Lord my God, if I have done this thing : 
if there be iniquity in my hands. 

If I have made a return to them that did 
evils to me, let me deservedly fall powerless 
before my enemies. 

Let the enemy pursue my soul, and take it, 
and tread down my life on the earth, and bring 
down my glory to the dust. 

Rise up, O Lord, in thy anger : and be thou 
exalted in the borders of my enemies. 

And rise, O Lord my God, for the judgm.ent 



lS4 son A LI TV OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R ] ' 

<juod mandasti : et synagoga populorum circum- 
'dabit te. 

Et propter hanc in altum regredere : Domi- 
nus judicat populos. 

Judica me, Domine, secundum justitiam 
meam : et secundum innocentiam meam super 
me. 

Consumetur nequitia peccatorum^ et diriges 
justum : scrutans corda et renes, Deus. 

Jiistum adjutorium meum a Domino : qui 
salvos facit rectos corde. 

Deus judex Justus, fortis, et patiens : num- 
quid irascitur per singulos dies . 

Nisi conversi fueritis gladium suum vibrabit: 
arcum suum tetendit, et paravit ilium. 

Et in eo paravit vasa mortis : sagittas suas 
ardentibus effecit. 

Ecce parturiit injustitiam : concepit dolorem, 
<et peperit iniquitatem. 

La.cnm aperuit et effodit eum : et incidit in 
ib veam quam fecit. 

Convertetur dolor ejus in caput ejus : et 
in verticem ipsius iniquitas ejus descendet. 

Confitebor Domino secundum justitiam ejus : 
et psaliam nomini Domini altissimi. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



which thou hast commanded : and a congrega- 
tion of people shall surround thee. 

And for their sakes, return thou on high : 
the Lord judgeth the people. 

Judge me, O Lord, according to my justice, 
and according to my innocence on me. 

The wickedness of sinners shall be brought 
to naught : and thou shalt direct the just : the 
searcher of hearts and reins is God. 

Just is my help from the Lord : who saveth 
the upright of heart. 

God is a just judge, strong and patient ; is he 
angry every day? 

Unless ye be converted he will brandish his 
sword : he hath bent his bow, and made it 
ready. 

And in it he hath prepared the instruments 
of death, he hath made ready his burning 
arrows. 

Behold he hath been in labor with injustice. 
He hath conceived sorrow and brought forth 
iniquity. 

He hath opened a pit and dug it : and he is 
.fallen into the hole he made. 

His sorrow shall be turned on his own head : 
and his iniquity shall come down upon his 
crown. 

I will give glory to the Lord according to 
his justice : and will sing to the name of the 
Lord Most High. 



1 86 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

Requiem eternam, etc. 

Ant, Ne quando rapiat ut leo animam meam: 
dum non est qui redimat, neque qui salvurn 
faciat. 

F A porta inferi. 

R. Erue, Domine, animas eorum. 

Pater noster (Jnaudibly'), 

THE FIRST LESSON. 

Parce mihi, Domine, nihil enim sunt dies 
mei. Quid est homo, quia magnificas eum? 
aut quid apponis erga eum cor tuuni ? Visitas 
eum diluculo, et subito probas ilium. Usque- 
quo non parcis mihi, nec dimittis me, ut glutiam 
salivam meam? Peccavi ; quid faciam tibi, O 
custos hominum? Quare posuisti me contra- 
rium tibi, et factus sum mihimet ipsi gravis? 
Cur non tollis peccatum meum ? et quare non 
aufers iniquitatem meam ? Ecce nunc in pul- 
vere dormiam, et si mane me qusesieris, non 
subsistam. 

R. Credo quod Redemptor mens vivit : et 
in novissimo die de terra surrecturus sum : et 
in carne mea videbo Deum salvatorem meum. 

V. Quem visurus sum ego ipse, et non alius, 
et oculi mei conspecturi sunt. Et in carne 
mea videbo Deum salvatorem meum. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



Grant them, eternal rest, etc. 

Ant. Lest at any time, like a lion, he seize 
upon my soul, while there is no one to rescue 
me, or to save. 

V. From the gates of hell, 

R. Deliver my soul, O Lord. 

Our Father {maudibly). 

THE FIRST LESSON. 

Spare me, for my days are nothing. What 
ir^ a man that thou shouldest magnify him ? Or 
why dost thou set thy heart upon him ? Thou 
visitest him early in the morning, and thou 
provest him suddenly. How long wilt thou 
not spare me, nor suffer me to swallow down 
my spittle ? I have sinned, what shall I do to 
thee, O keeper of men? Why hast thou set me 
opposite to thee, and I am become burdensome 
to myself? Why dost thou not remove my sin, 
and why dost thou not take away mine in- 
iquity? Behold, now I shall sleep in the dust : 
and if thou seek me in the morning, I shall 
not be. 

R. I believe my Redeemer liveth, and that 
in the last day I shall rise from the earth, and 
in my flesh I shall see God my Saviour. 

V, Whom I myself shall see, and not another, 
and my eyes shall behold. And in my flesh I 
shall see God, my Saviour. 



Xo8 :SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 
THE SECOND LESSON. 

TiEDET animam meam vitae me^ ; dimittam 
adversum me eloquium meum, loquar in amati- 
tudine animae meae. Dicam Deo : noli me 
condemnare : indica mihi, cur me ita judices. 
Numquid bonum tibi videtur, si calumnieris 
me, et opprimas me opus manuum tuarum, et 
consilium impiorum adjuves? Numquid oculi 
carnei tibi sunt ; aut sicut videt homo, et tu 
videbis ? Numquid sicut dies hominis dies tui : 
et anni tui sicut humana sunt tempora, ut 
quseras iniquitatem meam, et peccatum meum 
scruteris ? Et scias quia nihil impium fecerim, 
cum sit nemo qui de manu tua possit eruere. 

R. Qui Lazarum resuscitasti a monumento 
foitidum : tu eis, Domine, dona requiem, et 
locum indulgentise. 

V, Qui venturus es judicare vivos et mor- 
tuos, et saeculum per ignem. Tu eis, Domine 
dona requiem et locum indulgentia. 

THE THIRD LESSON. 

Manus tuae fecerunt me et plasmaverunt me 
totum. in circuitu : et sic repente praecipitas me ? 
Memento, quaeso, quod sicut lutum feceris me, 
et in puiverem reduces me. Nonne sicut iac 
mulsisti me, et sicut caseum me coagulasti? 
Pelle et carnibus vestisti me : ossibus, et nervis 
compegisti me. Vitam et misericordiam tribu- 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



THE SECOND LESSON. 

My soul is weary of life, I will let go my 
speech against myself, I will speak in the bit- 
terness of my soul, I will say to God : Do not 
condemn me : tell me why thou judgest me so ? 
Doth it seem good to thee that thou shouldst 
crush me, and oppress me, the work of thy 
own hands, and help the counsel of the wicked ? 
Hast thou eyes of flesh ; or seest thou as man 
seeth? Are thy days as the days of man, and 
are thy years as the times of men : that thou 
shouldst inquire after my iniquity, and search 
after my sin ? x\nd thou knowest that I have 
done no wicked thing, whereas there is no man 
that can deliver out of thy hand. 

R, Thou who didst raise Lazarus from the 
corruption of the grave : Thou, O Lord, give 
them rest, and a place of pardon. 

V. Thou who art to come to judge the living 
and the dead, and the world by fire. Thou, O 
Lord, give them rest, and a place of pardon. 

THE THIRD LESSON. 

Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me 
wholly round about : and dost thou thus cast 
me down headlong on a sudden ? Remember, 
I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the 
clay, and thou wilt bring me into dust again. 
Hast thou not pressed me out as milk, and 



190 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

isti mihi, et visitatio tua custodivit spiritum 
meum. 

R. Domine, quando veneris judicare terram, 
iibi me abscondam a vultu irse tuae? Quia 
peccavi nimis in vita mea. 

V. Commissa mea pavesco, et ante te eru- 
tesco : dum veneris judicare, noli me condem- 
nare. Quia peccavi nimis in vita mea. 

R. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et 
lux perpetua luceat eis. Quia peccavi nimis 
in vita mea. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



curdled me like cheese ? Thou hast clothed 
me with skin and flesh : thou hast put me to- 
gether with bones and sinews : thou hast 
granted me life and mercy, and thy visitation 
hath preserved my spirit. 

R. O Lord, when Thou wilt come to judge 
the earth, where shall I hide myself from the 
face of Thy wrath ? For I have sinned exceed- 
ingly in my life. 

V. I dread my misdeeds, and blush before 
Thee : do not condemn me when Thou comest 
to judge. For I have sinned exceedingly in 
my life. 

R. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let 
perpetual light shine on them. For I have 
sinned exceedingly in my life. 




XQ2 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 
LAUDS. 

Ant, ExuLTABUNT Doniino ossa huniiliata. 
Psalm L 

Miserere mei, Deus : secundum magnam 
misericordiam tuam. 

Et secundum multitudinem miserationum tua- 
rum : dele iniquitatem meam. 

Amplius lava me ab iniquitate mea : et a 
peccato meo munda me. 

Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego cognosce : 
et peccatum meum contra me est semper. 

Tibi soli peccavi, et malum coram te feci : 
ut justificeris in sermonibus tuis, et vincas cum 
judicaris. 

Ecce enim in iniquitatibus conceptus sum : 
et in peccatis concepit me mater mea. 

Ecce enim veritatem dilexisti : incerta et 
occulta sapientiae tuae manifestasti mihi. 

Asperges me hyssopo, et mundabor : lavabis 
me, et super nivem dealbabor. 

Auditui meo dabis gaudium et laetitiam et 
exultabunt ossa humiliata. 

Averte faciem tuam a peccatis meis : et om- 
nes iniquitates meas dele. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



J 93 



LAUDS. 

Ant. The bones that are humbled shall re- 
joice in the Lord. 

Psalm I, 

Have mercy on me, O God, according to 
thy great mercy. 

And according to the multitude of thy ten- 
der mercies blot out my iniquity. 

Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and 
cleanse me from my sin. 

For I know my iniquity : and my sin is 
always before me. 

Against thee only have I sinned, and I have 
done evil before thee : that thou may est be justi- 
fied in thy words, and may est overcome when 
thou art judged. 

For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, 
and in sins did my mother conceive me. 

For behold, thou lovest truth: the secret 
and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast 
made manifest to me. 

Thou wilt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I 
shall be cleansed : thou wilt wash me and I 
shall be made whiter than snow. 

To my hearing thou vrilt give joy and glad- 
ness : and the bones that are humbled shall re- 
joice. 

Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot 
oat all my iniquities. 



194 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Cor mundum crea in me, Deus : et spiritum 
rectum innova in visceribus meis. 

Ne projicias me a facie tua : et spiritum 
tuum ne auferas a me. 

Redde mihi Isetitiam salutaris tui : et spiritu 
principali confirma me. 

Docebo iniquos vias tuas : et impii ad te 
convertentur. 

Libera me de sanguinibus, Deus, Deus salutis 
meae : et exultabit lingua mea justitiam tuam. 

Domine, labia mea aperies : et os meum 
annuntiabit laudem tuam. 

Quoniam si voluisses sacrificium, dedissem 
utique : holocaustis non delectaberis. 

Sacrificium Deo spiritus contribulatus : cor 
contritum et humiiiatum, Deus non despicies. 

Benigne fac, Domine, in bona voluntate tua 
Sion : ut sedificentur muri Jerusalem. 

Tunc acceptabis sacrificium justitiae, obla- 
tiones, et holocausta : tunc imponent super 
altare tuum vitulos. 

Requiem aeternam, dona eis, Domine, et lux 
perpetua luceat eis. 

Ant. Exultabunt Domino ossa humiliata. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



Create a clean heart in me, O God : and re- 
new a right spirit within me. 

Cast me not away from thy face : and take 
not thy Holy Spirit from me. 

Restore to me the joy of thy salvation : and 
strengthen me with a perfect spirit. 

I will teach the unjust thy ways : and the 
wicked shall be converted to thee. 

Deliver me from blood, O God, thou God 
of my salvation : and my tongue shall extol 
thy justice. 

O Lord, thou wilt open my lips : and my 
tongue shall declare thy praise. 

For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would 
indeed have given it : with burnt-offerings thou 
wilt not be delighted. 

A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit : a 
contrite and humble heart, O God, thou wilt 
not despise. 

Deal favorably, O Lord, in thy good will 
with Sion : that the walls of Jerusalem may be 
built up. 

Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice, 
oblations and whole burnt- offerings : then shall 
they lay calves upon thy altar. 

Grant them eternal rest, etc. 

Ant. The bones that are humbled shall re- 
joice in the Lord. 



196 SODALITY OF THR BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Ant, Exaudi, Domine, orationem meam : 
ad te omnis caro veniet. 

Psalm Ixiv. 

Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion : et tibi 
reddetur votum in Jerusalem. 

Exaudi orationem meam : ad te omnis caro 
veniet. 

Verba iniquorum praevaluerunt super nos : et 
impietatibus nostris tu propitiaberis. 

Beatus, quern elegisti, et assumpsisti : in- 
habitabit in atriis tuis. 

Replebimur in bonis domus tuse : sanctum 
est templum tuum, mirabile in sequitate. 

Exaudi nos, Deus, salutaris noster : spes 
omnium finium terrae, et in mari longe. 

Praeparans montes in virtute tua, accinctus 
potentia, qui conturbas profundum maris, so- 
num fluctuum ejus. 

Turbabuntur gentes, et tiembunt qui abih- 
tant terminos a signis tuis ; exitus matutini, et 
vespere delectabis. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



Ant. Hear my prayer, O Lord, all flesh 
shall come to thee. 

Psalm Ixiv, 

A HYMN, O God, becometh thee in Sion : 
and a vow shall be paid to thee in Jerusalem. 

O hear my prayer, all flesh shall come to 
thee. 

The words of the wicked have prevailed 
against us : and thou wilt pardon our trans- 
gressions. 

Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and 
taken to thee : he shall dwell in thy courts. 

We shall be filled with the good things of 
thy house : holy is thy temple, v\-onderful in 
justice. 

Hear us, O God our Saviour, who art the 
hope of all the ends of the earth, and in the 
sea afar off. 

Thou who preparest the mountains by thy 
strength, being girded with power : who trou- 
blest the depth of the sea, the noise of its 
waves. 

The gentiles shall be troubled, and they 
that dwell in the uttermost borders shall be 
afraid at thy signs : thou shalt make the out- 
goings of the morning and of the evening to 
be joyful. 



1 98 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R V 

Visitasti terram,. et inebriasti earn : multipli- 
casti locupletare earn. 

Flumen Dei repletum est aquis, parasti cibum 
illorum : quoniam ita est praeparatio ejus. 

Rivos ejus inebria, multiplica genimina 
ejus ; in stillicidiis ejus Isetabitur germinans. 

Benedices coronse anni benignitatis tuae : et 
campi tui replebuntur ubertate. 

Pinguescent speciosa deserti : et exultatione 
colles accingentur. 

Induti sunt arietes ovium, et valles abunda- 
bunt frumento : clamabunt, etenim hymnum 
dicent. 

Requiem aeternam, etc. 

An^. Exaudi, Domine, orationem meam : ad 
te omnis caro veniet. 

Ant Me suscepit dextera tua, Domine. 

Psalm Ixii, 
Deus, Deus meus, page 84. 

Psahn Ixvi. 
Deus misereatur wo^tri, page 86. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



199 



Thou hast visited the earth, and hast plenti- 
fully watered it : thou hast in many ways en- 
riched it. 

The river of God is filled with water : thou 
hast prepared their food : for so is its prepara- 
tion. 

Fill up plentifully the streams thereof, multi- 
ply its fruits : it shall spring up and rejoice in 
its showers. 

Thou shalt bless with thy goodness the crown 
of the year : and thy fields shall be filled with 
plenty. 

The beautiful places of the wilderness shall 
grow fat : and the hills shall be girded about 
with joy. 

The rams of the flock are clothed, and the 
vales shall abound with corn : they shall shout^ 
yea, they shall sing a hymn. 

Grant them eternal rest, etc. 

Ant. Hear my prayer, O Lord, all flesh shall 
come to thee. 

Ant, Thy right hand, O Lord, has received 
me. 

Psalm Ixii, 
O God, my God, ^tc^page 85. 

Psalm IxvL 
May God have mercy on us, ttc, page 87. 



200 on A LIT Y OF THE BLESSED VI K GL\ MA R \ " 

Requem aeternam, etc. 

Ant. Me suscepit dextera tua, Domine. 

Ant. A porta inferi erne, Domine, animam 
-meam. 

The Canticle of Ezechias. 

Ego dixi : in dimidio dierum meorum, va- 
dam ad portas inferi. 

Quaesivi residuum annorum meorum. Dixi : 
non videbo Dominum Deum in terra viventium. 

Non aspiciam hominem ultra : et habitatorem 
quietis. 

Generatio mea ablata est, et convoluta est a 
me : quasi tabernaculum pastorum. 

Pr^cisa est velut a texente vita mea : dam 
adhuc ordirer, succidit me: de mane usque ad 
vesperam finies me. 

Sperabam usque ad mane : quasi leo sic 
contrivit omnia ossa mea. 

De mane usque ad vesperam finies me : sicut 
pullus hirundinis sic clamabo, meditabor ut co- 
lumba. 

Attenuati sunt oculi mei ; suspicientes in 
excelsum. 

Domine, vim patior, responde pro me : quid 
dicam aut quid respondebit mihi, cum ipse fe- 
cerit ? 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



201 



Grant them eternal rest, etc. 
Ant. Thy right hand, O Lord, has received 
me. 

Ant. From the gate of hell, deliver my soul, 

0 Lord. 

The Canticle of Ezechias. 

I SAID : In the midst of my days, I shall go 
to the gates of hell. 

I sought for the residue of my years. I 
said : I shall not see the Lord God in the land 
of the living. 

I shall behold man no more, nor the inhabit- 
ant of rest. 

My generation is at an end : and it is rolled 
away from me, as a shepherd's tent. 

Tvly life is cut off as by a v\-eaver : whilst I 
was yet but beginning, he cut me off: from 
morning even to night thou wilt make an end 
of me. 

I hoped till morning : as a lion, so hath he 
broken all my bones. 

From, morning even to night thou wilt make 
an end of me ; I will cry like a young swallow; 

1 Vv'ill meditate like a dove. 

My eyes are weakened, looking upward. 

Lord, I suffer violence, answer thou for me. 
'^^» hat shall I say, or vrhat will he answer forme, 
whereas he himself hath done it ? 



202 MODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Recogitabo tibi omnes annos meos : in am- 
aritudine animae meae. 

Domine, si sic vivitur, et in talibus vita spiri- 
tus mei, corripies me, et vivificabis me : ecce 
in pace amxaritudo mea amarissima. 

Tu autem eruisti animam meam, iit non peri- 
ret : projecisti post tergum tuum omnia peccata 
mea. 

Quia non infernus confitebitur tibi, neque 
mors laudabit te : non expectabunt in lacum, 
veritatem tuam. 

Vivens, vivens, ipse confitebitur tibi, sicut et 
ego hodie : pater filiis notam faciet veritatem 
tuam. 

Domine, salvum me fac : et psalmos nostros 
cantabimus cunctis diebus vitae nostrse, in 
domo Domini. 

Requiem aeternam, etc. 

A7if, A porta inferi, erne, Domine, animam 
meam. 

Ant. Omnis spiritus laudet Dominum. 

Fsalm cxlviii. 
Laudate Dominum de coelis, ^tc, page 92. 

Psahn cxli'x. 
Cantate Dominum, etc.,/^z^^ 94. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



203 



I will recount to thee all my years, in the 
bitterness of my soul. 

O Lord, if man's life is such, and the life of 
my spirit in such things as these, thou wilt cor- 
rect me and make me live : behold, in peace is 
my bitterness most bitter. 

But thou hast delivered my soul, that it should 
not perish : thou hast cast all my sins behind 
thy back. 

For hell will not thank thee ; neither will 
death praise thee : nor will they that go down 
into the pit look for thy truth. 

The living, the living, he shall give praise to 
thee, as I do this day ; the father shall make 
thy truth known to the children. 

O Lord, save me, and we will sing our psalms 
all the days of our life in the house of the 
Lord. 

Grant them eternal rest, etc. 
Ant, From the gate of hell, deliver my soul^ 
O Lord. 

Ant. Let every spirit praise the Lord. 
Psahn cxlviii. 

Praise ye the Lord from the heavens, etc., 
page 93. 

Psahn cxlix. 
Sing ye to the Lord, etc., page 95. 



204 SODA LI TV OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R V 

Psalm cl, 

Laudate Dominum in Sanctis ejus, etc. , page 

96. 

Requiem aeternam, etc. 

Ant. Omnis spiritus laudet Dominum. 

V. Audivi vocem de coelo dicentem mihi. 

R, Beati mortui qui in Domino moriuntur. 

Ant, Ego sum resurrectio et vita : qui credit 
in me, etiamsi mortuus fuerit vivet ; et omnis 
qui vivit et credit in me, non morietur in 
seternam. 

Canticle of Zachary. 
Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, etc., page 

98. 

Requiem aeternam, etc. 

^ Ant. Ego sum resurrectio, et vita ; qui credit 
in me, etiam si mortuus fuerit, vivet ; et omnis 
qui vivit et credit in me, non morietur in aeter- 
num. 

The following prayers are said kneeling : 
Pater noster {the rest inaudlbly). 
V, Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. 
R, Sed libera nos a malo. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 205 

Psalm cl. 

Praise ye the Lord in his holy places, etc. 
Grant them eternal rest, etc. 
Ant. Let every spirit praise the Lord. 
V, I heard a voice from heaven saying to 
me. 

Blessed are the dead that die in the 

Lord. 

A7it. I am the resurrection and the life : he 
that believeth in me though he be dead, sliall 
live ; and every one that liveth and believeth 
in me, shall never die. 

Canticle of Zachary, 

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, etc., page 
99. 

Grant them eternal rest, etc. 

Ant, I am the resurrection and the life : he 
that believeth in me, though he be dead, shall 
live : and every one that liveth, and believeth 
in me, shall never die. 

The following prayers are said kneeling : 

Our Father {the rest t7iaudibly') . 

V. And lead us not into temptation. 

R. But deliver us from evil. 



2o6 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Psalvi 

De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine ; Domi- 
ne, exaudi vocem meam. 

Fiant aures tuse intendentes : in vocem de- 
precationis meae. 

Si iniquitates observaveris Domine : Domine 
quis sustinebit ? 

Quia apud te propitiatio est : et propter 
legem tuam sustinui te, Domine. 

Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus : speravit 
anima mea in Domino. 

A custodia matutina usque ad noctem : speret 
Israel in Domiino. 

Quia apud Dominum misericordia : et copi- 
osa apud eum redemptio. 

Et ipse redimet Israel : ex omnibus iniquita- 
tibus ejus. 

Requiem seternam, etc. 

V, A porta inferi. 

i?. Erue, Domine, animas eorum. 

V, Requiescant in pace. 

R. Amen. 

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. 
jR. Et clamor mens ad te veniat. 

The other prayers as at the end of Vespers, page 170. 



OFFICE OF THE DEAD 



207 



Psalm cxxix. 

Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O 
Lord : Lord, hear my voice. 

Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my 
supplication. 

If thou, O Lord, will mark iniquities, Lord, 
who shall stand ? 

For with thee there is merciful forgiveness ; 
and by reason of thy law, I have waited for 
thee, O Lord. 

My soul hath relied on his word : my soul 
hath hoped in the Lord. 

From the morning watch even until night, 
let Israel hope in the Lord. 

Because with the Lord there is mercy ; and 
with him plentiful redemption. 

And he shall redeem Israel from all his ini- 
quities. 

Grant to them eternal rest, etc. 
V, From the gate of hell. 
R. Deliver their souls, O Lord. 
V. May they rest in peace. 
R. Amen. 

V. O Lord hear my prayer. 

R. And let my cry come to thee. 

The other prayers as at the end of Vespers, page 171, 



PART III 



DAILY AND OCCASIONAL 

PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS 



MORNING PRAYERS. 



On awaking give your first thoughts to God, thank 
Him for His favors, and beg His grace and protection 
for the day, saying ; 

O My God, my only good and the Author 
of my being, and my last end, I give Thee my 
heart. Praise, honor and glory be to Thee for 
ever and ever. Amen. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and 
to the Holy Ghost. 

As it was in the beginning is now and ever 
shall be, world without end. xVmen. 

Make the Morning Offering to the Sacred Heart of 
Jesus. 

O Jesus, through the immaculate heart of 
IMary, I offer Thee the prayers, works, and suf- 
ferings of this day for all the intentions of Thy 
divine Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice 
of the Mass ; and in particular for the inten- 
tions of the Apostleship of Prayer. 

Kneel down, if not prevented by infirmity, and say : 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, 
now and for evermore. Amen. 

Come, O Holy Ghost, replenish my heart, 
and enkindle in it the hre of Thy divine love. 
Amen. 



211 



2 1 2 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 

0 Eternal God, most holy and adorable 
Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the be- 
ginning and end of all things, in whom we live, 
move, and have our being, I firmly believe that 
Thou art here present ; I adore Thee with the 
most profound humility ; I praise Thee ; I give 
Thee thanks from the bottom of my heart for 
having created me after Thine own image and 
likeness, and redeemed me with the precious 
blood of Thy Son ; for having hitherto pre- 
served me, and brought me safe to the begin- 
ning of this day. Behold, O Lord, I offer Thee 
my whole being, and in particular all my 
thoughts, words, and actions, together with such 
crosses and contradictions as I may meet with 
in the course of this day. I consecrate them 
entirely to the glory of Thy name, in union 
with those of Jesus Christ, my Saviour, that 
through His infinite merits they may find ac- 
ceptance in Thy sight. Give them, O Lord, 
Thy blessing. May Thy divine love animate 
them ; and may they all tend to the greater 
honor of Thy Sovereign Majesty. Amen. 

Here say the Our Father^ Hail Mary and Creed. 

The Confiteor. 

1 CONFESS to Almighty God, to the blessed 
Mary, ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the 
Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the 
holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the 



MORNING PR A VERS 



saints, that I hav- sinned exceedingly, in 
tiiought, word, and deed, through my fault, 
through my fault, through my most grievous 
fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary, 
ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, 
blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter 
and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord 
our God for me. 

May Almighty God have mercy on me, for- 
give me my sins, and bring me to everlasting 
life. Amen. 

May the almighty and merciful Lord grant 
me pardon, absolution and remission of all my 
sins. Amen. 

O Holy Virgin, Mother of God, my advo- 
cate and patroness, pray for thy poor servant ; 
show thyself a Mother to me. And thou, O 
blessed spirit whom God in His mercy hath 
appointed to watch over me, intercede for me 
this day, that I may not stray from the path 
cf virtue. St. Joseph, my glorious patron, 
pray for me. And thou also, O blessed St. N. , 
whose name I bear, pray for mie, that I may 
serve God faithfully in this life, as thou hast 
done, and with thee glorify Him eternally in 
heaven. 

O Mary, my Queen and my Mother, I ofTer 
myself entirely to thee, and in order to prove 
myself devoted to thee, I consecrate to thee 
this day, my sight, my hearing, my speech, 



214 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

my heart, my whole being. Since, then, lam 
thine, O good Mother, preserve me, defend me 
as thy property and possession. 

Say three Hail Marys in honor of the Immaculate 
Conception, to obtain purity of soul and body, and add : 

Through thy Immaculate Conception and 
sacred Virginity, O most pure Virgin, obtain 
for me purity of soul and body. 

Afejnorare. 

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, 
that never was it known that any one who fled 
to thy protection, implored thy help and sought 
thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired 
with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin 
of virgins, my Mother, to thee I come; be- 
fore thee I stand sinful and sorrowfil. O 
Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my 
petitions, but, in thy mercy, hear and answer 
me. Amen. 

A devout offering before beginning the work of the day. 
Into the hands of Thy unspeakable mercy, 
O Lord, I commend my soul and body, my 
senses, my words, my thoughts, and all my 
actions, with all the necessities of my body and 
soul; my going forth and coming in, my faith 
and conversation, the course and end of my 
life, the day and hour of my death, my rest 
and resurrection, w^ith Thy saints and elect. 
Amen. 



MORNING PR A VERS 



215 



THE ANGELUS. 

To be said morning, noon, and night, in memory of 
the adorable mystery of the Incarnation of our blessed 
Saviour. At Easter time, instead of the Angelus, the 
Regina cceli is said {page 133) 

The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary^ 
and she conceived of the Holy Ghost. 

Hail Mary, etc. 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord : be it 
done unto me according to Thy word. 

Hail Mary, etc. 

And the Word was made flesh; and dwelt 
among us. 

Hail, Mary, etc. 

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. 

That we may be made worthy of the promises 
of Christ. 

Let us pray. 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy 
grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the 
incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known 
by the message of an angel, may, by His 
passion and cross, be brought to the glory of 
His resurrection ; through the same Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 



2i6 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

The following indulgenced aspirations may be often 
repeated during the day. 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I offer you my 
heart and soul ! 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my 
last agony ! 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth 
my soul in peace with you ! 

Sweetest Heart of Jesus, be Thou my love ! 

Sweetest Heart of Mary, be my salvation ! 

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us ! 

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be every- 
where loved ! 

My Jesus, mercy ! 

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us ! 



NIGHT PRAYERS. 



An essential part of a good night prayer is an Exami- 
nation of Conscience^ which may be made in the following 
acts : 

In the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, 
now and for evermore. Amen. 

Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy 
faithful servants, and kindle in them the fire of 
Thy divine love. Amen. 

Place yourself in the presence of God, and say : 
Impressed with a most lively sense of the 
presence of Thy Eternal Majesty, I most hum- 
tly adore Thee, O my Creator, my Redeemer, 
and my Judge. I believe in Thee, because 
Thou art truth itself ; I hope in Thee because 
Thou art faithful to Thy word ; I love Thee 
with my whole heart, because Thou art worthy 
of my love; and, for Thy sake, I love my 
neighbor as myself. 

Return thanks to God for the favors He has bestowed 
on you. 

Grant me, O my God, to return Thee thanks 
as I ought for all Thy inestimable blessings and 
favors. 

Thou hast thought of me, and loved me 
from all eternity ; Thou hast given Thy be- 

2T7 



218 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



loved Son to the ignominous death of the Cross 
for my redemption ; Thou didst preserve me 
from faUing into the abyss of eternal misery, 
when my sins had often provoked Thee to de- 
prive me of my life ; and Thou wert graciously 
pleased to spare me, even though I continued 
to offend Thee. Alas! my God, what return 
can I make for the innumerable blessings Thou 
hast conferred on me during the whole course 
of my life and particularly for the favors of 
this day ? O all ye angels and saints, unite 
with me in praising the God of mercies, who is 
so bountiful to so unworthy a creature. 

Beg of God to make your sins known to you. 

O Eternal source of light, who hast said, 
" Let there be light, and there was light," il- 
lumine the darkness of my understanding, and 
dispel those shades of ignorance and error which ^ 
conceal from me the guilt and enormity of my 
offences. Discover to me, I beseech Thee, all 
the sins I have committed this day, whether in 
thought, word, deed, or omission ; grant me 
a lively sense of their malice that I may detest 
them from my heart, and dread nothing so 
much as ever to commit them again. 

Examine your conscience, calling to mind the places 
where you have been and the company you have kept 
during the day. Ask yourself what sins you have com- 
mitted against God, against your neighbor, and against j 
yourself; and how you have discharged the duties of | 



NIGHT PR A VERS 



219 



vour state. Make a Particular Ex amen on some 
special sin or predominant fault. Then say the Confiteor 
(p. 211) and make the following 

Act of Contrition. 

O Father of mercies, who wiliest not the 
death of the sinner, look upon me, a miserable 
sinner, according to the multitude of Thy mer- 
cies. I acknowledge and confess, and am heart- 
ily sorry for all the sins of my past life, and 
of this day in particular. I cast myself at Thy 
feet, and beseech Thee to cover all mv sins with 
that infinite love with which Thou hast loved 
us from all eternity. I grieve from the bottom 
of my heart that I have been so ungrateful to 
Thee for Thy benefits, and have so often of- 
fended Thee, my God and my chief good. 
Spare me, I beseech Thee, by the death and 
love of Jesus Christ Thy Son ; and mercifully 
forgive me whatsoever sins I have this day, or 
heretofore, committed against Thee, against my 
neighbor, or myself. 

Make a firm purpose of amendment. 

O Almighty and Eternal God, I wish from 
the bottom of my heart that I had never sinned 
against Thee ; but since I have been so un- 
happy, O grant me now Thy grace that I may 
never offend Thee more. 

Thou hast said : I will not the death of a 
sinner, but rather that he be converted and 



2 20 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGEM MA R Y 

live. Convert me, therefore, and I shall be 
converted. Have mercy on me according to 
Thy great mercy and according to the 
multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out 
all my iniquities. I renounce all sin, and the 
occasions of it ; and I firmly purpose henceforth 
to walk in the path of Thy commandments. 
This fixed resolution I am determined to keep, 
with the assistance of Thy grace, purchased for 
m^ through the infinite merits of Thine only 
Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. 

Here say the Our Father^ Hail Mary^ the Creed 
the Hail Holy Queen and the Angelus ; and close your 
night prayers with three Hail Marys in honor of the Im- 
maculate Conception for purity of soul and body. 

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us 
who have recourse to thee. 

While composing yourself to sleep repeat some of the 
ejaculations p. 216, and say : 

Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my 
spirit. 



th^ acts. 



Should be familiar to all and should be often repeated.. 

A Prayer Before the Acts, 

O Almighty and Eternal God, grant unto us. 
an increase of faith, hope, and charity ; and 
that we may obtain what Thou hast promised, 
make us love and practise what Thou com- 
mandest ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
x\men. 

An Act of Faith. 

O MY God ! I firmly believe that Thou art 
one God in three Divine persons, Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost ; I believe that Thy Divine 
Son became man, and died for our sins, and 
that He will come to judge the living and the 
dead. I believe these and all the truths which 
the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because 
Thou hast revealed them, who canst neither de- 
ceive nor be deceived. 

An Act of Hope. 

O MY God ! relying on Thy infinite good- 
it ness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of 
I"! my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life ever- 
lasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my 
Lord and Redeemer. 

221 



222 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

An Act of Love. 

O MY God ! I love Thee above all things, 
with my whole heart and soul, because Thou 
art all good and worthy of all love. I love my 
neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I for- 
give all who have injured me, and ask pardon 
of all whom I have injured. 

An Act of Contrition, 

O MY God ! I am heartily sorry for having 
offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because 
1 dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, 
but most of all because they offend Thee, my 
God, who art all good and deserving of all my 
love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy 
grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and 
to amend my life. 



ORDINARY OF TH:^ MASS. 



MASS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 

At the foot of the Altar. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

V. I will go unto the altar of God. 

R. To God, who giveth joy to my youth. 

V, Judge me, O God, and distinguish my 
cause from the nation that is not holy ; deliver 
me from the unjust and deceitful man. 

R. For Thou, O God, art my strength, why 
hast thou cast me off? And why do I go sor- 
rowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me? 

V. Send forth Thy light and Thy truth ; they 
. have conducted me and brought me unto Thy 
holy mount, and unto Thy tabernacles. 

R. And I will go unto the altar of God : to 
God who giveth joy to my youth. 

V. I will praise Thee on the harp, O God, 
my God ; why art thou sorrowful, O my soul ? 
and why dost thou disquiet me ? 

R. Hope in God, for I will still give praise 
||, to Him ; who is the salvation of my counte- 
I nance, and my God. 

V. Glory be to the Father, etc. 

R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and 
ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 
223 



224 SODALTl Y OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MAR Y 



V, I will go unto the altar of God. 

R. To God, who giveth joy to my youth. 

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. 

R. Who hath made heaven and earth. 

Confiteor of the Priest. 

R. May Almighty God have mercy on thee, 
forgive thee thy sins, and bring thee to life 
everlasting. 

V. Amen. 

Confiteor of the People. 

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary 
ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, 
to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles 
Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to you. 
Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in 
thought, word and deed, through my fault, 
through my fault, through my most grievous 
fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever 
Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed 
John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 
and all the saints, and you. Father, to pray to 
the Lord, our God, for me. 

V. May Almighty God have mercy upon you, 
forgive you your sins, and bring you to life 
everlasting. 

R. Amen. 

V. May the almighty and merciful Lord 
grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of 
our sins. 



ORDINARY OF THE MASS, 



225 



Amen. 

V. Thou wilt turn again, O God, and 
quicken us. 

V, Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy. 

R, And grant us Thy salvation. 

V. O Lord, hear my prayer. 

R. And let my cry come unto Thee, 

v.. The Lord be with you, 

R. And with thy spirit. 

Going up to the Altar. 

Take away from us our iniquities, we beseech 
Thee, O Lord : that we m.aybe worthy to enter 
with pure minds into the Holy of Holies. 
Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

IXTROIT. 

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my 
soul shall be joyful in my God ; for He hath 
clothed me with the garments of salvation, and 
with the robe of justice hath He covered me, 
as a bride adorned with her jewels. 

I will extol Thee, O Lord ; for Thou hast 
lifted me up ; and hast not made my foes to re- 
joice over me. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

KYRIE. 

Lord have mercy. 
Lord have mercy. 
Lord have mercy. 



226 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Christ have mercy. 
Christ have mercy. 
Christ have mercy. 
Lord have mercy. 
Lord have mercy. 
Lord have mercy. 

GLORIA. 

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace 
to men of good will. We praise Thee ; we bless 
Thee ; we adore Thee ; we glorify Thee. We 
give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, O Lord 
God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty, 
O Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son ; O 
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, 
who takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy on us ; Thou who takest away the sins 
of the v/orld, receive our prayer ; Thou who 
sittest at the right hand of the Father, have 
mercy on us. For Thou only art holy ; Thou 
only art the Lord ; Thou only, O Jesus Christ, 
with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory 
of God the Father. Amen. 

V, The Lord be with you. 
R. And with thy spirit. 

Let us pray. 

COLLECT. 

O God, who, by the Immaculate Conception 
of the Virgin, didst prepare a worthy habitation 



ORDINARY OF THE MASS 



227 



for Thy Son ; we beseech Thee that, as by the 
foreseen death of the same Thy Son, Thou didst 
preserve her from all stain of sin, so Thou 
wouldst enable us, being made pure by her in- 
tercession, to come unto Thee. Through the 
same our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who 
liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of 
the Holy Ghost world without end. Amen. 

LESSON. 
p7'0V, via. 

The Lord possessed me in the beginning of 
his ways, before he made anything from the 
beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of 
old before the earth was made. The depths 
were not as yet, and I was already conceived ; 
neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung 
out : the mountains with their huge bulk had 
not as yet been established : before the hills I 
was brought forth : he had not yet made the 
earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world. 
When he prepared the heavens, I was present : 
v/hen with a certain law and compass he en- 
closed the depths ; when he established the 
sky above, and poised the fountains of waters ; 
when he compassed the sea with its bounds, 
and set a law to the waters, that they should 
not pass their limits ; when he balanced the 
fo'indations of the earth ; I was with Him form- 



22 8 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

ing all things ; and I was delighted every day, 
playing before him at all times ; playing in the 
world ; and my delight was to be with the 
children of men. Now therefore, ye children, 
hear me : blessed are they that keep my ways, 
hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 
Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that 
watcheth daily at my gates, and waiteth at the 
posts of my doors. He that shall find me shall 
find life, and shall have salvation from the 
Lord. 

R, Thanks be to God. 

Gradual. 

Blessed art Thou, O Virgin Mary, by the 
Lord, the most high God, above all women 
upon the earth. 

Thou art the glory of Jerusalem ; thou art 
the joy of Jerusalem ; thou art the joy of Israel ; 
Thou art the honor of our people. 
- Alleluia, Alleluia. 

Thou art all fair, O Mary, and there is not a 
spot in thee. Alleluia. 

Before the Gospel. 
Cleanse my heart and my lips, O almighty 
God, who didst cleanse the lips of the prophet 
Isaias with a burning coal : and vouchsafe, 
through Thy gracious mercy, so to purify me, 
that I may worthily proclaim Thy holy Gospel. 
Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 



ORDIXARY OF THE MASS 



229 



The Lord be in my heart and on my Hps, 
that I may worthily, and in a becoming man- 
ner, announce His holy Gospel in the name of 
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost. Amen. 

V, The Lord be with you, 
And with thy spirit. 

V. The continuation of the holy Gospel 
according to St. John. 

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord. 

THE GOSPEL. 

Luke i. 26. 

At that time : the Angel Gabriel was sent 
from God into a city of Galilee, called Naza- 
reth to a Virgin espoused to a man whose 
name was Joseph, of the house of David : and 
the name of the Virgin was -Mary. And the 
Angel coming in to her, said : Hail, full of 
grace, the Lord is v/ith thee : blessed art thou 
among women. 

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ. 

V, By the words of the Gospel may our 
sins be blotted out. 

THE CREED. 

I BELIEVE in one God, the Father Almighty, 
Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things 
visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus 



230 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of 
the Father before all ages. God of God ; 
Light of Light ; true God of true God ; begot- 
ten, not made ; consubstantial with the Father, 
by whom all things were made. Who for us 
men, and for our salvation came down from 
heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost 
of the Virgin Mary ; and was made man. He 
was crucified also for us, suffered under Pon- 
tius Pilate, and was buried. The third day 
He arose again according to the Scriptures ; 
and ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the 
right hand of the Father ; and He shall come 
again with glory to judge both the living and 
the dead : of whose kingdom there shall be no 
end. 

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord 
and giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father 
and the Son : who together with the Father 
and the Son is adored and glorified: who spoke 
by the prophets. And one holy Catholic and 
apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the 
remission of sins. And I look for the resurrec- 
tion of the dead, and the life of the world to 
come. Amen. 

V, The Lord be with you. 

R. And with thy spirit. 

THE OFFERTORY. 

Hail Mary, full of grace ; the Lord is with 



ORDINARY OF THE MASS 



thee ; blessed art thou among women. Alle- 
luia. 

At the oblation. 
Accept, O holy Father, almighty, eternal 
God, this immaculate host, which I, Thy 
unworthy servant, offer unto Thee, my living 
and true God, for my innumerable sins, 
offences and negligences, and for all here pres- 
ent ; as also for all faithful Christians, both 
living and dead, that it may be profitable for 
my own and for their salvation unto life eternal. 
Amen. 

O God, who in creating human nature^ 
didst wonderfully dignify it, and hast still more 
wonderfully renewed it, grant that, by the 
mystery of this water and wine, we may be 
made partakers of His divinity, who vouch- 
safed to become partaker of our humanity, 
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord ; who liveth 
and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the 
Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen. 

We offer unto Thee, O Lord, the chalice of 
salvation, beseeching Thy clemency, that in 
the sight of Thy divine Majesty it may ascend 
with the odor of sweetness, for our salvation 
and for that of the whole world. Amen. 

In the spirit of humility, and with a contrite 
heart, let us be received by Thee, O Lord, 
and grant that the sacrifice we offer in Thy sight 
this day may be pleasing to Thee, O Lord God., 



232 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIR GIN MA R Y 

Come, O Sanctifier, almighty, eternal God, 
and bless this sacrifice prepared in Thy holy 
name. 

At the incensing. 
Let my prayer, O Lord, ascend like incense 
in Thy sight : and the lifting of my hands be as 
an evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, be- 
fore my mouth, and a door romid about my 
lips, that my heart may not incline to evil 
words, to make excuses in sin. 

At the v/ashing of the hands. 

I will wash my hands among the innocent : 
and will encompass Thy altar, O Lord. 

That I may hear the voice of praise, and tell 
of all Thy marvellous works. 

I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy 
house, and the place where Thy glory dwell- 
eth. 

Take not away my soul, O God, with the 
wicked, nor my life w4th bloody men. 

In whose hands are iniquities : their right 
hand is filled with gifts. 

As for me, I have walked in my innocence : 
redeem me, and have mercy upon me. 

My foot hath stood in the right path : in the 
churches I will bless Thee, O Lord, 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Bowing over the aUar, the priest says : 

Receive, O holy Trinity this oblation which 



ORDINARY OF THE MASS 



we make to Thee, in memory of the passion, 
resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and in honor of the blessed Mary, ever 
11 Virgin, of blessed John Baptist, the holy 
! ' apostles Peter and Paul, of these and of all the 
saints ; that it may be available to their honor 
and our salvation : and may they vouchsafe to 
intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we 
celebrate on earth. Through the same Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

Orate Fratres. 

Brethren, pray that my sacrifice and yours 
, may be acceptable to God the Father al- 
1 1 mighty. 

R. May the Lord receive the sacrifice from 
i, thy hands, to the praise and the glory of His 
jii name, to our benefit, and to that of all His 
holy Church. 

SECRET AND PREFACE. 

Accept this saving host, which in the solem- 
nity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed 

i Virgin Mary we offer unto Thee ; and grant 
that as we believe her, by Thy preventing grace, 
to be free from every stain, so by her inter- 

I cession we may be delivered from all our sins 
through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who 

'I liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of 

' the Holy Ghost. 



234 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

V, World without end. 
i?. Amen. 

V, The Lord be with you, 
R. And with thy spirit. 

V, Lift up your hearts. 

R. We have them lifted up unto the Lord. 

V. Let us gi\e thanks to the Lord our God. 
R. It is meet and just. 

It is truly meet and just, right and salutary, 
that we should always, and in all places, give 
thanks to Thee, O holy Lord^ Father almighty, 
eternal God, and praise and bless and glorify 
Thee in the Immaculate Conception of the 
Blessed Mary ever Virgin ; who also, by the 
overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, has con- 
ceived Thy only begotten Son ; and without 
losing the lustre of her virginity, shed upon 
the world the eternal light, Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Through whom the angels praise Thy 
Majesty, the dominations adore Thee, the 
powers do stand in awe before Thee, the heav- 
ens and the virtues of the heavens, and the 
blessed seraphim do celebrate Thee with 
united joy. In union with whom we beseech 
Thee that Thou wouldst command our voices 
also to be admitted, with suppliant confession, 
saying: 

Holy, holy, holy. Lord God of Hosts. 
Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. 
Hosanna in the highest. 



ORDINARY OF THE MASS 



Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the 
Lord. 

Hosanna in the highest. 

THE CANON. 

We therefore humbly pray and beseech Thee, 
most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, 
Thy Son, our Lord, that Thou wouldst vouch- 
safe to accept and bless these gifts, these pres- 
ents, these holy unspotted sacrifices which in 
the fxrst place, we offer Thee, for Thy holy 
Catholic Church, to which vouchsafe to grant 
peace ; and also to protect, unite, and govern 
it throughout the world, together with Thy 
servant, N. our Pope, N. our Bishop, as also 
all orthodox believers and professors of the 
Catholic and Apostolic Faith. 

' Commemoration of the living. 

Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and 
handmaids, N. and N. , and of all here present, 
whose faith and devotion are known unto Thee, 
for whom we offer, or w^ho offer up to Thee this 
sacrifice of praise for themselves, their families 
and friends, for the redemption of their souls, for 
the health and salvation they hope for, and for 
which they now pay their vows to Thee, the 
eternal, living and true God. 

Communicating with, and honoring, in the 



236 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



first place, the memory of the glorious and ever 
Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord and God, 
Jesus Christ; as also of the blessed Apostles 
and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, 
John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, 
Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus, 
Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, 
Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and 
Damian, and of all Thy Saints ; by whose merits 
and prayers grant that we may be always de- 
fended by the help of Thy protection. Through 
the same Christ our Lord. Amen. 

We therefore beseech Thee, O Lord, gra- 
ciously to accept this oblation of our service, as 
also of Thy whole family ; dispose our days in 
Thy peace, command us to be delivered from 
eternal damnation, and to be numbered in the 
flock of Thy elect. Through Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

The Consecration. 

Which oblation do Thou, O God, vouchsafe 
in all respects to bless, approve, ratify and 
accept, that it may become to us the body and 
the blood of Thy most beloved Son, Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Who, the day before He 
suffered, took bread into His holy and venera- 
ble hands, and with His eyes lifted up towards 
heaven, to God, His almighty Father ; giving 
thanks to Thee, did bless, break, and give to 



ORDINARY OF THE MASS 



237 



His disciples, saying : Take^ and eat ye all 

ii OF THIS : FOR THIS IS MY BODY. 

' Elevation of the Host. 

In like manner, after He had supped, taking 
jjl also this excellent chalice into His holy and 
i venerable hands, and giving Thee thanks. He 
blessed, and gave to His disciples, saying : 
Take, and drink ye all of this ; for this 

IS THE chalice OF MY BLOOD OF THE NEW AND 
ETERNAL TESTAMENT; THE MYSTERY OF FAITH ; 
WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU, AND FOR MANY, 
TO THE REMISSION OF SINS. 

As OFTEN AS YE DO THESE THINGS, YE SHALL 
DO THEM IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME. 

Elevation of the Chalice. 

Wherefore, O Lord, we Thy servants, as also 
Thy holy people, calling to mind the blessed 
passion of the same Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, 
His resurrection from hell, and glorious ascen- 
h sion into heaven, offer unto Thv most excellent 
\\ Majesty, of Thy gifts and grants, a pure host, a 
! holy host, an immaculate host, the holy bread 
[ of eternal life, and the chalice of everlasting 
salvation. 

Upon which vouchsafe to look with a pro« 
j pitious and serene countenance, and to accept 
^ them, as Thou wast graciously pleased to accept 
the gifts of Thy just servant Abel, and the sacri- 



^2;^S0DALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

fice of our Patriarch Abraham, and that which 
Thy High-priest Melchisedech offered to Thee, 
a holy sacrifice, an immaculate host. 

We most humbly beseech Thee, Almighty 
God, command these things to be carried by the 
hands of Thy holy angel to Thy altar on high, 
in the sight of Thy divine Majesty, that as many 
of us as, by participation at this altar, shall re- 
ceive the most sacred Body and Blood of Thy 
Son may be filled with all heavenly benedic- 
tion and grace. Through the same Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Commemoration of the Dead. 

Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and 
handmaids N. and N., who are gone before us, 
with the sign of faith, and slumber in the sleep 
of peace. 

To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in 
Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of re- 
freshment, light, and peace. Through the same 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

And to us sinners, Thy servants, hoping in 
the multitude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant 
some part and fellowship with the holy Apostles 
and Martyrs ; with John, Stephen, Matthias, 
Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, 
Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, 
Cecily, Anastasia, and with all Thy Saints ; into 
whose company we beseech Thee to admit us. 



ORDINARY OF THE MASS 



239 



not considering our merits, but freely pardon- 
ing our offences. Through Christ our Lord. 

At the little elevation. 

By whom, O Lord, Thou dost always create, 
sanctify, quicken, bless, and give us all these 
things. 

Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, 
is to Thee, God the Father almighty, in the 
unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory. 

V. World without end. 

R. Amen. 

Pater Noster. 

Instructed by Thy saving precepts, and fol- 
lowing Thy divine institution, we presume to 
say: 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
Thy name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be 
done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
day our daily bread ; and forgive us our tres- 
passes, as we forgive those who trespass against 
US- And lead us not into temptation. 

i?. But deliver us from evil. 

V. Amen. 

Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from 
all evils past, present, and to come ; and by the 
intercession of the blessed and glorious Mary, 
ever Virgin, iMother of God, together with Thy 
blessed Apostles, Peter and Paul^ and Andrew, 



240 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R V 

and all the saints, mercifully grant peace in our 
days ; that by the assistance of Thy mercy we 
may be always free from sin, and secure from all 
disturbance. Through the same Jesus Christ 
Thy Son, our Lord, who, with Thee in the 
unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reign eth, 
God 

V. World without end, 
R. Amen. 

V, May the peace of the Lord be always 
with you. 

H. And with thy spirit. 

May this mixture and consecration of the 
Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be 
to us, that receive it, effectual to eternal life. 
Amen. 

Agnus Dei. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of 
the world, have mercy on us. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of 
the world, have mercy on us. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of 
the world, grant us peace. 

Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst to Thy Apostles: 
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto 
you ; regard not my sins, but the faith of Thy 
Church; and vouchsafe to it that peace and 
unity which is agreeable to Thy will: who livest 
and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen. 



ORDINARY OF THE MASS 



241 



Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, 
who, according to the will of the Father, through 
the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, hast by Thy 
death given life to the world ; deliver me by 
this, Thy most sacred Body and Blood, from all 
my iniquities and from all evils ; and make me 
always adhere to Thy commandments, and ne\ er 
suffer me to be separated from Thee ; who. with 
the same God the Father and Holy Ghost, livest 
and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen. 

Let not the participation of Thy Body, O 
Lord Jesus Christ, which I, all unworthy, pre- 
sume to receive, turn to my judgment and con- 
demnation ; but through Thy goodness, may it 
be to me a safeguard and remedy, both of soul 
,1 and body. Who wdth God the Father, in the 
unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest 
God for ever and ever. Amen. 

AT THE COMMUNION. 

I will take the bread of heaven and call upon 
the name of the Lord. 

Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst 
enter under my roof ; say but the word, and 
my soul shall be healed. 

Taking tlie Sacred Host. 

May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ pre- 
serve my soul to life everlasting. Amen. 



242 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 
Taking the Chalice. 

What shall I render to the Lord for all He 
hath rendered unto me ? I will take the chalice 
of salvation, and call upon the name of the 
Lord ; with praise I shall call upon the Lord 
and I shall be saved from mine enemies. 

The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve 
my soul to everlasting life. Amen. 

For Communion of the people, after the Conjiteor, 

V. May the almighty God have mercy on 
you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to 
life everlasting. 

R. Amen. 

V. May the almighty and merciful Lord 
give you pardon, absolution, and remission of 
your sins. 

R, Amen. 

Behold the Lamb of God ; behold Him who 
taketh away the sins of the world. Lord I am 
not worthy, etc. 

Giving Communion. 

May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ pre- 
serve thy soul to life everlasting. Amen. 

At the Ablutions. 

Grant, Lord, that what we have taken with 
our mouth, we may receive with a pure mind ; 



ORDINARY OF THE yTASS 



^43 



and of a temporal gift may it become to us an 
eternal remedy. 

May Thy Body, O Lord, which I have re- 
ceived, and Thy Blood, which I have drunk, 
cleave to my bowels ; and grant that no stain 
of sin may remain in me, who have been re- 
freshed with pure and holy sacraments. Who 
livest for ever and ever. Amen. 

Communion. 

Glorious things have been said of thee, O 
Mary ; because He that is mighty has done 
great things in thee. 

V. The Lord be with you. 

R. And with thy spirit. 

POSTCOMMUNION. 

Let US pray. 

May the Sacraments which we have received, 
O Lord our God, repair in us the wounds of that 
sin from which Thou didst singularly preserve 
the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Mary. 
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who 
liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the 
Holy Ghost world v/ithout end. 

R, Amen. 

V. The Lord be with you. 
R. And with thy spirit. 



244 SODALIl Y OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

V. Go, the Mass is ended (^or, Let us bless 
the Lord.) 

R, Thanks be to God. 
V. Amen. 

O holy Trinity, let the performance of my 
homage be pleasing to Thee ; and grant that 
the sacrifice which I, unworthy as I am, have 
offered up in the sight of Thy Majesty, may be 
acceptable to Thee, and through Thy mercy be 
a propitiation for me and all those for whom I 
have offered it. Through Christ our Lord. 

The Blessing. 

May almighty God, the Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, bless you. 
R, Amen. 

The Last Gospel. 

V. The Lord be with you. 
R. And with thy spirit. 

The beginning of the holy Gospel according 
to St. John. 

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the 
Word was with God, and the Word was God ; 
the same was in the beginning with God. AH 
things were made by Him, and without Him[ 
was made nothing that was made ; in Him was', 
life, and the life was the light of men ; and the] 



ORDIXARY OF THE MASS 



245 



light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did 

not comprehend it. 

There was a man sent from God, whose name 

was John. This man came for a witness, to 

give testimony of the light, that all men might 
1 believe through him. He was not the Light, 
;| but was to give testimony of the Light. That 
[ was the true Light which enlighteneth every 
il man that cometh into this world, 
jl Lie was in the world, and the world was 
\ made by Him, and the world knew Him not. 
= He came unto His own, and His own received 

Plim not. But as many as received Him, to 
i them gave He power to become the sons of 
E^' God: to them that believe in His name, who 

are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the 
1; flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God : and 

THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, and dwelt among 

us : and we saw His glory, as it were, the glory 

of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace 

and truth. 
^ i?. Thanks be to God. 

l ' PRAVER AFTER MASS. 

J Almighty and eternal God, who out of Tny 
! immense love hast appointed Thy only begotten 
■j Son to be the mediator between Thee and 
sinners ; accept, I beseech Thee, this sacrifice 
and victim from me, a poor miserable sinner ; 
pardon my defects and negligences in assisting 



246 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

at it ; bestow on me Thy divine benediction 
grant that I may serve Thee in all things to m] 
last breath, and, after this life, deserve to prais( 
and glorify Thy holy name for all eternity 
Amen. 



VISIT TO th:e bi^essed sacrament. 



PRAYER OF ST. ALPHO^SUS. 

My Lord Jesus Christ, who for the love 
which Thou bearest to men, remainest night and 
day in this Sacrament, full of compassion and of 
love, calling and welcoming all who come to 
visit Thee ; I believe Thou art present in the 
Sacrament of the altar. I adore Thee from the 
abyss of my nothingness, and I thank Thee for 
all the graces which Thou hast bestowed upon 
me, and in particular for having given me Thy- 
self in this Sacrament, for having given me Thy 
most holy ^lother Mary as my advocate, and 
for having called me to visit Thee in this Church. 
I now salute Thy most loving Heart ; and this 
for three ends : i . In thanksgiving for this great 
gift. 2. To make amends to Thee for all the 
outrages which Thou hast received in this Sac- 
rament from all Thine enemies. 3. I intend 
by this visit to adore Thee in all the places on 
earth in which Thou art present in this Sacra- 
ment, and in which Thou art the least revered 
and the most abandoned. My Jesus, I love 
Thee with my whole heart. I grieve for having 
hitherto so many times offended Thy infinite 
goodness. I propose by Thy grace never more 
to offend Thee for the time to come ; and now, 
miserable and unworthy though I be, I conse- 
247 



248 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

crate myself to Thee without reserve ; I give 
Thee and renounce my entire will, my affec- 
tions, my desires, and all that I possess. Hence- 
forth do Thou dispose of me and of all that I 
hav^e as Thou pleasest. All that 1 ask of Thee 
and desire is Thy holy love, final perseverance 
and the perfect accomplishment of Thy will. I 
recommend to Thee the souls in purgatory, but 
especially those who had the most devotion to 
the Blessed Sacrament, and to the most Blessed 
Virgin Mary. I also recommend to Thee all 
poor sinners. In fine, my dear Saviour, I unite 
all my affections with those of Thy most loving 
Heart, and I offer them thus united to Thy 
eternal Father, and beseech Him in Thy name 
to vouchsafe, for Thy love, to accept and grant 
them. 

ACT OF REPARATION. 

Jesus, my God, my Saviour, true God and 
true Man, with that most profound homage 
with which faith itself inspires me, I adore and 
love Thee, with my whole heart, concealed in 
the most august Sacrament of the altar, inrepa- ' 
ration for all the acts of irreverence, profanation 
and sacrilege which I may ever have been so un- 
happy as to have committed, as well as for all 
such like acts that ever have been done, or 
which may be done — though God forbid they 
• should be — in ages yet to come. I adore Thee, i 



VISIT TO THE BLESSED SA CRAM EXT 



therefore, my God, not indeed as Thou deserv- 
es!, nor as much as I am bound to adore, but 
as far as I am able ; and I would that I could 
adore Thee with all the perfection of which all 
rational creatures are capable. IMeantime, I 
purpose now and ever to adore Thee, not only 
for those Catholics who adore Thee not and 
love Thee not, but also instead of, and for the 
conversion of, all heretics, schismatics, impious 
atheists, blasphemers, impostors, infidels, Jews, 
and idolaters. Jesus, my God, mayest Thou 
be ever known, adored, loved, and praised 
every moment, in the most holy and divine Sac- 
rament. Amen. 

THE PRAYER OF ST. IGXATIU'S. 

Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, 
my memory, my understanding and my whole 
will. Thou hast given me all that I am and all 
that I possess ; I surrender all to Thee that 
Thou mayest dispose of it according to Thy will. 
Give me only Thy love and Thy grace ; with 
these I shall be rich enough, and have no more 
to desire. 



PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION. 



Before examining your conscience say : 

O God, the searcher of hearts, behold, I 
here protest, in Thy presence, that what I now 
design is sincerely for the honor of Thy name, 
and for the purpose of being delivered from 
the guilt of my sins ; therefore I come to this 
sacrament of penance, that, complying with 
Thy holy institution, I may obtain Thy blessing 
and pardon. May Thy holy grace assist me in 
performing this great duty well, as it is Thy 
mercy which has called me to do it. 

Here reflect briefly on the benefits of God, particularly 
in instituting the sacrament of penance for the remission 
of our sins, and say : 

How great are my obligations to Thee, 
C) my God, in thus providing for me, after my 
disgrace, the means of a perfect reconciliation. 
To have purified me in the waters of baptism 
was not enough; Thou hast also left me the 
waters of penance, to wash me still more from 
my iniquities, and cleanse me from my sins. 
For this end Thou hast given to the Church, 
in the persons of the apostles, the power of 
remitting our offences : Receive ye the Holy 
Ghost : whose sins ye shall forgive, shall be 
forgiven them. Oh, what excessive goodness ! 
250 



FRA VERS FOR CONFESSION 



What an advantage to poor sinners to have a 
tribunal established for them, always open, 
w here they may be received into favor ! Can I 
ever be sensible of so striking an instance of 
Thy bounty? I have withdrawn myself from 
Thee by a hateful contempt of Thy law, and 
Thou art pleased to make the first advance to 
meet me ! O Father of mercies and God of 
goodness, be Thou for ever blessed? Permit 
me to fly to this powerful refuge, and suffer not 
that, by a new ingratitude, I should for the 
future ever abuse so excellent a resource of 
salvation. No ; it is not human respect ; it is 
not custom, nor the fear of being thought care- 
less of my soul, that brings me at present to 
this sacrament of reconciliation. It is a sincere 
regret for having incurred Thy displeasure — 
for who can be at rest, O my God, when he 
knows he is Thy enemy, and that he has 
offended the very best of Fathers ? 

Examine your conscience according to tlie command- 
ments of God and of the Church and the seven deadly 
sins ; or according to the brief method of our duties toward 
God, our neighbor and ourselves. Having found out 
your sins, make a sincere act of contrition and firm pur- 
pose of amendment, and say : 

I have now here before me, O Lord, a sad 
prospect of the manifold offences, by which I 
have displeased Thy divine Majesty, and which 



2^2 ^ on A LITY OF THE BLESSED I IR GIN A: A R Y 

I am assured will appear in judgment against 
me, if I repent not, and my soul be not dis- 
posed, by a hearty sorrow, to receive Thy 
pardon. But this sorrow, O Lord, this repent- 
ance must be Thy free giit, and if it comes not 
from the hand of Thy mercy, all my endeavors 
will be in vain, and I shall be forever miserable. 
Have mercy, therefore, on me, O Father of 
mercies, and pour forth into my heart Thy 
grace, whereby I may sincerely repent of all 
my sins ; give me a true contrition, that I may 
bewail my past misery and ingratitude, and 
grieve from my heart for having offended Thee, 
so good a God. Permit me not to be deluded 
with a false sorrow, as, I fear, I have been too 
often, through my own weakness and neglect: 
but let it be now^ Thy gift, descending from 
Thee, the Father of lights, that so my repent- 
ance may be accompanied with amendment 
and change of life, and I may be fully acquitted 
of the guilt of all my sins, and once more 
received into the number of Thy servants. 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



AFTER CONFESSION. 



Accept, O Lord, I beseech Thee, this my 
confession, and mercifully pardon all my 
deficiencies, that, according to the greatness 



PR A VERS FOR CONFESSION 



253 



of Thy mercy, I may be fully and perfectly 
absolved in heaven. Through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Blessed are they whose iniquities are for- 
given, and whose sins are covered. 

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath 
not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no 
guile. 

I have acknowledged my sins to Thee, O 
Lord, and my injustice I have not concealed. 

I said : I will confess against myself my in- 
justice to the Lord, and Thou hast forgiven 
the wickedness of my sin. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

O my divine Saviour, I give thanks to Thee, 
that Thou hast been pleased to cleanse me 
from my sins by Thy precious blood. Blessed 
be Thy name, O Lord, for ever and ever. 
I acknowledge and adore Thy mercy, and 
dedicate myself wholly to Thy service here- 
after. Assist my weakness, and suffer me not 
again to fall into my past sins and to be sepa- 
rated from Thee : but so bind my heart and 
soul to Thee with the cords of Thy love, that 
I may say with the Apostle : Who shall sepa- 
rate me from the love of Christ ? 

O Blessed Virgin Mary, my holy patron^ N., 
and all ye saints and angels, praise and extol 
our Lord for His boundless goodness toward 
me, a most miserable sinner. Beseech Him 



254 -^^^^ LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R V 

to accept this my humble confession, and to 
supply, through His infinite mercies, all its 
deficiencies. Beg of Him to ratify in heaven 
the sentence of absolution which His minister, 
the priest, hath pronounced in my favor at the 
tribunal of confession. Amen. 

Before leaving the church, if possible, perform your 
penance. 




DEVOTIONS FOR HOI/Y COMMUNION. 



PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION, 

I FIRMLY belicYe, O my diYine Jesus, that 
Thou art really present in the Blessed Sacra- 
ment of the Altar. I believe that it contains 
Thy body and blood accompanied by Thy 
very soul and divinity. I acknowledge these 
truths, I believe these wonders ; I adore the 
power that has wrought them — the same power 
that said : Let there be light, and light was 
made. I submit my senses and reason to Thy 
divine authority ; I praise and glority Thy in- 
finite goodness, which hath prepared this 
heavenly banquet for the food and nourishment 
of my soul. Blessed be Thy name for ever ! 
Ill Accept my homage ; accept, O my God. my 
most hearty thanks. But what am I that Thou 
shouldst work such wonders for my sake ? How 
shall an unworthy sinner as I am presume to 
approach Thee, who art the inexhaustible source 
of inhnite purity and sanctity ? How shall I 
( venture to lift up my eyes to heaven, much less 
j to receive Thee within my breast ? I tremble 
;^ at the sentence of Thy apostle : "Whosoever 
I shall eat this bread or drink the chalice of the 
Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body 
, and blood of the Lord. For I acknowledo:e 
myself to be nothing but dust and ashes — a 
255 



256 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



poor, miserable worm of the earth, subject to 
many vices, and void of all virtue and merit. 

My life has been nothing but sin and 
misery. I have nothing to confide in but Thy 
boundless mercy , nor should I ever presume 
to approach Ihy sacred table, and partake of 
the bread of angels, were I not encouraged by 
Thy infinite goodness, and excited by Thy own 
most pressing invitations. It is, therefore, in 
Thy mercy, which is above all Thy works, that 
I put my whole trust ; and since Thou art 
pleased to call me to this divine banquet, 
behold, I come to it, like Magdalen, to be hap- 
pily united to Thee, and lay down all my sins at 
Thy feet, in order that they may be cancelled 
by Thy precious blood. I come to com- 
menimorate Thy sufferings, as Thou Thyself 
hast ordained. I come, as one sick, to the 
Physician of life ; as one blind, to the Light of 
eternal glory ; as one poor, needy, and dis- 
tressed, to the King of heaven and earth. To 
Thee I expose all my wounds, that they may 
be healed. To Thee I fly for protection, 
hoping that Thou wilt be to me a Saviour, and 
that Thou wilt wash away every sin that may 
defile me. 

Take away my blindness, relieve my neces- 
sities, and clothe me with Thy grace, that 
I may receive the adorable sacrament of Thy 
Body and Blood v\dth such reverence and hu- 



DEVOTIOXS FOR HOLY COMMCXIOX 



257 



mility, such contrition and devotion, such purity 
and faith, as may be for Thy honor and glory, 
and the salvation of my soul. I am not 
worthy, O Lord, to receive Thee : alas ! I am 
not : but Thou canst, if Thou wilt, make me 
worthy : say but the word, then, and my soul 
shall be healed. Thou hast heretofore said to 
the leper in the Gospel : I am willing; be thou 
cleansed, and he was immediately cured of his 
disease. My soul is covered with a universal 
leprosy : heal m^e, then, O my Saviour, in like 
manner ; cleanse my soul from its stains ; re- 
move from it all guilt ; extinguish in it every 
evil disposition; adorn it with the necessary 
virtues, and make it a ht abode for Thy recep- 
tion. May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ 
preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen. 

ASPiP-ATIONS AFTER COMMUNION. 

Behold. O Lord. I now possess Thee who 
possessest all things, and who canst do all 
things ; take off my heart, then O my God and 
\ my all, from all other things but Thee, for in 
j them there is nothing but vanity and affliction 
I of spirit. Let my heart be fixed on Thee 
( alone ; let me ever repose in Thee, for in Thee 
j is my treasure, in Thee is the Sovereign Truth, 
true happiness, and a blessed eternity. 

Let my soul, O Lord, feel the sweetness of 

I 



258 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Thy presence. Let me taste how sweet Thou 
art, O Lord ! that, being allured by Thy love, 
I may never more run after worldly pleasures ; 
for Thou art the joy of my heart, and my por- 
tion for ever. 

Thou art the Physician of our souls, who 
healest all our infirmities by Thy sacred blood; 
I am that sick man whom Thou camest from 
heaven to heal : oh, heal my soul, for I have 
sinned against Thee ! 

Thou art the Good Shepherd, who hast laid 
down Thy life for Thy sheep ! behold, I 
am that sheep that was lost, and yet Thou 
vouchsafest to feed me with Thy Body and 
Blood; take me now upon Thy shoulders to 
carry me home. What canst thou deny me, 
who hast given me Thyself? Guide Thou me, 
and I shall want nothing in the place of pas- 
ture where Thou hast put me, until Thou 
bringest me to the happy pastures of eternal 
life. 

O true Light, which enlightenest every man 
that cometh into this world, enlighten my eyes 
that I may never sleep in death. 

O King of heaven and earth, rich in mercy, 
behold I am poor and needy : Thou knowest 
what I stand most in need of ; Thou alone 
canst assist and enrich me. Help me, O God, 
and out of the treasures of Thy bounty succor 
my needy soul. 



DEVOTIOXS FOR HOLY COMMUXIOX 



Thou art the Lamb of God, the Lamb with- 
out spot, who takest away the sins of the world; 
Oh, take away from me whatever may grieve and 
displease Thee, and give me what Thou know- 
est to be pleasing to Thee and profitable to 
myself. 

0 my God and my All, may the sweet flame 
of Thy love consume my soul, that so I may 
die to the world for the love of Thee, who 
hast vouchsafed to die upon the Cross for love 
of me. 

PRAVER OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS. 

1 GIVE Thee thanks, O holy Lord, Father 
almighty, eternal God, that Thou hast vouch- 
safed, for no merit of my own. but of the mere 

i condescension of Thy mercy, to refresh me , a 
sinner and Thine unworthy servant with the 
precious Body and Blood of Thy Son, our Lord 
Jesus Christ. I implore Thee, let not this 
Holy Communion be to me an increase of guilt 
unto my punishment, but an availing plea unto 
pardon and forgiveness. Let it be to me the 
armor of faith and shield of good will. Grant 
that it may work the extinction of my vices, 
the rooting out of concupiscence and lust, and 
^ the increase within me of charity and patience, 
^ of humility and obedience. Let it be my 
strong defence against the snares of all my 
enemies, visible and invisible : the perfect 

I 



26o SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VikGIN MAkY 

soothing of all my passions carnal and spiritual, 
my indissoluble union with Thee the one and 
true God, and a blessed consummation at my 
last end. And I beseech Thee, that Thou 
mayest vouchsafe to bring me, sinner as I am, 
to that ineffable banquet where Thou, with the 
Son and the Holy Ghost, art to Thy saints true 
and unfailing Light, fulness of content, joy for 
evermore, gladness without alloy, consummate 
and everlasting bliss. Through the same Christ 
Our Lord. Amen. 



ANIMA CHRISTI. 

Soul of Christ, be my sanctification. 

Body of Christ, be my salvation. 

Blood of Christ, fill all my veins. 

Water of Christ's side, wash out my stains. 

Passion of Christ, my comfort be. 

O Good Jesu, listen to me. 

In Thy Wounds I fain would hide, 

Ne'er to be parted from Thy side. 

Guard me, should the foe assail me, 

Call me when my life shall fail me ; 

Bid me come to Thee above w 

With Thy Saints, to sing Thy love, j 

World without end. Amen. ii 



A Plenary Indulgence is granted to all those who, 
after Communion, recite the following prayer before any 
Representation of Christ crucified, and pray for the 
intentions of the Holy Father, the Pope. 

Look down upon me, good and. gentle Jesus, 
while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and, 
with burning soul, pray and beseech Thee to 
fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, 
hope, and charity, true contrition for my sins, 
and a firm purpose of amendment ; vv'hile I con- 
template with great love and tender pity Thy 
five wounds, pondering over them within me, 
calling to mind the words which David, Thy 
prophet, said of Thee, my Jesus : They dug 
my hands and my feet ; they numbered all m^' 
bones. 

261 



IvlTANY OF THB HOI^Y 
JESUS. 



NAME OF 



Lord, have mercy on us, 
Christ, have mercy on us, 
Lord, have mercy on us, 
Christ, hear us, 
Christ, graciously hear us, 
God, the Father of heaven, 
God, the Son, Redeemer 

of the world, 
God, the Holy Ghost, 
Holy Trinity, one God, 
Jesus, Son of the living God, 
Jesus, splendor of the Father, 
Jesus, brightness of eternal light, 
Jesus, king of glory, 
Jesus, sun of justice, 
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, 
Jesus, most amiable, 
Jesus, most admirable, 
Jesus, powerful God, 
Jesus, father of the world to come, 
Jesus, angel of the great council, 
Jesus, most patient, 
Jesus, most obedient, 
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, 
Jesus, lover of chastity, 
Jesus, God of peace, 
Jesus, author of life, 
Jesus, example of all virtues, 
Jesus, zealous lover of souls, 
Jesus, our God, 

262 



LITANY OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS 263 



Jesus, our refuge, 
Jesus, father of the poor, 
Jesus^ treasure of the faithful, 
Jesus, Good Shepherd, 
Jesus, true hght, 
Jesus, Eternal Wisdom, 
Jesus, infinite goodness, 
Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, 
Jesus, joy of angels, 
Jesus, master of apostles, 
Jesus, teacher of evangelists, 
Jesus, strength of martyrs, 
Jesus, light of confessors, 
Jesus, purity of virgins, 
Jesus, crown of all saints. 
Be merciful unto us : Spare us, O Jesus. 
Be merciful unto us : Hear us, O Jesus. 
From all evil. 
From all sin, 
From Thy wrath, 
From the snares of the devil, 
From the spirit of fornication, 
From everlasting death, ^ 
From neglect of Thy holy inspirations, § 
Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, 
Through Thy nativity. 
Through Thy divine infancy, 
Through Thy sacred life. 
Through Thy labors, 
Through Thy agony and passion, 
Through Thy cross and dereliction, 
Through Thy pains and torments, 
Through Thy death and burial. 
Through Thy glorious resurrection. 
Through Thy ascension. 
Through Thy joys and glory, 
In the day of judgment, 



264 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: 

Spare us, O Lord Jesus. 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world : 

Hear us, O Lord Jesus. 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world : 

Have mercy upon us, O Lord Jesus. 
Christ Jesus, hear us. 
Christ Jesus, graciously hear us. 

V. May the name of the Lord be blessed. 
R, From henceforth, now, and for ever. 

Let lis pray. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast said : Ask, 
and ye shall receive ; seek and ye shall find ; 
knock, and it shall be opened unto you ; mer- 
cifully attend to our supplications, and grant us 
the gift of divine charity, that we may ever love 
Thee with our whole hearts, and never cease 
from praising Thy holy name, who livest and 
reignest, one God, world without end. Amen. 

O divine Redeemer, give us a perpetual fear 
and love of Thy holy name, for Thou never 
ceasest to direct and govern by Thy grace those 
whom Thou instructest in the solidity of Thy 
love. Who livest and reignest, one God, 
world without end. Amen. 



THIS STATIONS OF TH® CROSS. 



ADAPTED FROM 

St Alphonsus Liguori. 

Let each one make a?i Act of Cofitrition^ and 
form the i?ite?ition for the application of the 
Indulgences to be gai?ied. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast made this 
journey to die for me with unspeakable love, 
I while I have so many times betrayed and for- 
' saken Thee. But now I love Thee with my 
I- whole heart, and because I love Thee I repent 
' sincerely of having ever offended Thee. Par- 
don me, my God, and permit me to accom- 
I! pany Thee on this journey. Thou goest to die 
for love of me ; I wish also, my beloved 
Redeemer, to die for love of Thee. 

I . At the Cross her station keeping, 
Stood the mournful Mother wxeping, 
, Close to Jesus to the last. 

I 1°. At each, station begin by announcing the station 
i and reciting this versicle with its response. 

V, We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless 
I Thee. 

j R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

265 



i 



266 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

2°. At the end of each station prayer recite the 
following act : 

I love Thee, O my Jesus, with my whole 
heart, and I repent of ever having offended 
Thee. Never permit me to separate myself 
from Thee again by sin. Grant that I may 
love Thee always, and then do with me what 
Thou wilt. 

3°. Then say, Our Father, Hail Mary^ Glory ^ and : 

V. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! 
R. Have mercy on us. 

4°. Strophe of Stabat Mater. 

First Station. 

JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH. 

Consider how Jesus, after having been 
scourged and crowned with thorns, was un- 
justly condemned by Pilate to die on the 
Cross. 

My adorable Jesus, it was not Pilate ; no, it 
was my sins that condemned Thee to die. I 
beseech Thee, by the merits of this sorrowful 
journey, to assist my soul in her journey 
toward heaven. 

2. Through her heart. His sorrow sharing. 
And His bitter anguish bearing, 

Lo ! the piercing sword had passed ! 



THE STA TIONS OF THE CROSS 



267 



Second Station. 

JESUS IS MADE TO BEAR HIS CROSS. 

Consider how Jesus in making this journey 
with the Cross on His shoulders, thought of us. 
and offered for us to His Father the death He 
was about to undergo. 

My most beloved Jesus, I accept all the 
tribulations Thou hast destined for me until 
death. I beseech Thee, by the merits of the 
pain Thou didst suffer in bearing Thy Cross, to 
give me the necessary help to bear mine with 
perfect patience and resignation. 

3. O, how sad, and sore distressed, 
Now was she, that Mother Blessed 
Of the sole-begotten One. 

Third Station. 

JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME. 

Consider this first fall of Jesus under His 
Cross. His flesh was torn by the scourges. 
His head was crowned with thorns and He had 
lost a great quantity of blood. He was so 
weakened that He could scarcely walk, and yet 
He had to carry this great load upon His 
shoulders. The soldiers struck Him rudely, 
and thus He fell several times in His journey. 



268 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

My Jesus, it is not the weight of the Cross, 
but my sins, which have made Thee suffer so 
much pain. Ah, by the merits of this first 
fall, deliver me from the misfortune of falling 
into mortal sin. 

4. Woe-begone, with heart's prostration, 
Mother meek, the bitter passion 

Saw she of her glorious Son. 

Fourth Station. 

JESUS MEETS HIS AFFLICTED MOTHER. 

Consider the meeting of the Son and the 
Mother, which took place on this journey. 
Jesus and Mary beheld each other, and their 
looks became as so many darts to wound those 
hearts which loved each other so tenderly. 

My most loving Jesus, by the sorrow that 
Thou didst feel in this meeting, grant me the 
grace of a truly devoted love for Thy most 
holy Mother. And thou, my Queen, who 
wast overwhelmed with sorrow, obtain for me, 
by thy intercession, a continual and tender 
remembrance of the passion of Thy Son. 

5. Who could mark, from tears refraining, 
Christ's dear Mother uncomplaining, 

In so great a sorrow bowed ? 



THE STA TIONS OP THE CROSS 269 
Fifth Station. 



SIMON HELPS JESUS TO CARRY HIS CROSS. 

Consider how the Jews, seeing that at each 
step Jesus was on the point of expiring from 
weakness, and fearing that He would die on the 
way, when they wished Him to die the igno- 
minious death on the Cross, constrained Simon 
the Cyrenean, to carry the Cross behind our 
Lord. 

My most beloved Jesus, I will not refuse the 
Cross, as Simon did ; I accept it — I embrace 
it. I accept, in particular, the death Thou hast 
destined for me, with all the pains which may 
accompany it ; I unite it to Thy death — I offer 
it to Thee. Thou hast died for love of me ; 
I will die for love of Thee and to please Thee. 
Help me by Thy grace. 

6. Who, unmoved, could see her languish. 
Underneath His cross of anguish, 
*Mid the fierce, unpitying crowd? 

Sixth Station. 

VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS. 

Consider how the holy woman named 
Veronica, seeing Jesus so afflicted, and His 
face bathed in sweat and blood, offered Him a 



270 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

napkin, with which He wiped His adorable 
face, leaving on it the impression of His holy 
countenance. 

My most beloved Jesus, Thy face was beautiful 
before, but in this journey it has lost all its 
beauty, and wounds and blood have disfigured 
it. Alas, my soul also was once beautiful, when 
it received Thy grace in baptism ; but I have 
disfigured it since by my sins. Thou alone, my 
Redeemer, by Thy Passion, canst restore it to 
its former beauty. 

7. For His people's sins rejected. 
She her Jesus, unprotected, 

Saw with thorns, with scourges rent. 

Seventh Station. 

JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME. 

Consider the second fall of Jesus under the 
Cross — 2i fall which renews the pain of all the 
wounds of the head and body of our afflicted 
Lord. 

My most gentle Jesus, how many times 
Thou hast pardoned me, and how many times 
have I fallen again, and begun again to offend 
Thee ! Oh ! by the merits of this new fall, 
give me the necessary helps to persevere in Thy 
grace until death. Grant that in all tempta- 
tions which assail me 1 may always commend 
myself to Thee. 



THE STA TIONS OF THE CROSS 27 1 



8. Saw her Son from judgment taken, 
Herbelov'd in death forsaken, 

Till His Spirit forth He sent. 

Eighth Station. 

JESUS SPEAKS TO THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEiM. 

Consider how those women wept from com- 
passion at seeing Jesus in such a pitiable state, 
streaming with blood as He walked along. 
But Jesus said to them : Weep not fo?- 
but weep fo7' you i^s elves and your children. 

My Jesus, laden with sorrows, I weep for 
the offences I have committed against Thee, 
'} because of the pains they have deserved, and 
still more because of the displeasure they have 
caused Thee, who hast so loved me. It is Thy 
[:) love, more than the fear of hell, which causes 
me to weep for my sins. 

9. Fount of love and holy sorrow. 
Mother, may my spirit borrow 

Somewhat of thy woe profound. 

Ninth Station. 

JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME. 

Consider the third fall of Jesus Christ. His 
weakness was extreme, and the cruelty of His 
; executioners excessive, who tried to hasten His 
1 steps when He had scarcely strength to move. 



272 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MAR Y 



Ah, my outraged Jesus, by the merits of the 
weakness Thou didst suffer in going to Calvary, 
give me strength sufficient to conquer all 
human respect, and all my wicked passions, 
which have led me to despise Thy friendship. 

ID. Unto Christ, with pure emotion. 
Raise my contrite heart's devotion, 
Love to read in every wound. 

Tenth Station. 

JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS. 

Consider the violence with which the exe- 
cutioners stripped Jesus. His inner garments 
adhered to His torn flesh, and they dragged 
them off so roughly that the skin came with 
them. Compassionate your Saviour thus cruelly 
treated, and say to Him : 

My innocent Jesus, by the merits of the 
torments Thou hast felt, help me to strip my- 
self of all affection to things of earth, in order 
that I may place all my love in Thee, who art , 
so worthy of my love. i 

II. Those five wounds on Jesus smitten, 
Mother, in my heart be written. 
Deep as in thine own they be. 



THE ST A TIONS OF THE CROSS 



Eleventh Station. 

JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS. 

Consider how Jesus, after being thrown on 
the Cross, extended His arms, and offered to 
His eternal Father the sacrifice of His life for 
our salvation. The executioners fastened His 
hands and His feet with nails, and raising the 
Cross, left him to die in anguish. 

My Jesus, loaded with contempt, nail my 
heart to Thy feet, that it may ever remain 
there to love Thee, and never quit Thee again. 

. 12. Thou, my Saviour's Cross who bearest, 
Thou thy Son's rebuke who shares t, 
Let me share them both with thee. 

Twelfth Station. 

JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS. 

Consider how Jesus, after three hours' agony 
on the Cross, consumed at length with anguish, 
bows His head and dies. 

O my dying Jesus, I kiss devoutly the Cross 
on which Thou didst die for love of me. I 
have merited by my sins to die a miserable 
death, but Thy death is my hope. Ah, by the 
merits of Thy death, give me grace to die, 
embracing Thy feet, and burning with love for 
Thee. Into Thy hands I commend my spirit. 



274 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

13. In the passion of my Maker, 
Be my sinful soul partaker, 

Weep till death, and weep with Thee. 

Thirteenth Station, 

JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS. 

Consider how, after the death of our Lord, 
two of His disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus, 
took Him down from the Cross, and placed 
Him in the arms of His afflicted Mother, who 
received Him with unutterable tenderness, and 
pressed Him to her bosom. 

O Mother of Sorrows, for the love of Thy 
Son, accept me for thy servant, and pray to 
Him for me. And Thou, my Redeemer, since 
Thou hast died for me, permit me to love 
Thee : for I wish but Thee, and nothing more. 

14. Mine with thee be that sad station, 
There to watch the great salvation, 

Wrought upon the atoning Tree. 

Fourteenth Station. 

JESUS IS PLACED IN THE SEPULCHRE. 

Consider how the disciples carried the body 
of Jesus to bury it accompanied by His holy 
Mother, who arranged it in the sepulchre with 
her own hands. They then closed the tomb, 
and all withdrew. 



THE ST A TIOXS OF THE CROSS 



275 



Ah, my buried Jesus, I kiss the stone that 
encloses Thee. But Thou didst rise again the 
third day. I beseech Thee by Thy Resurrec- 
tion, make me rise glorious with Thee at the 
last day, to be always united with Thee in 
heaven, to praise Thee and love Thee for ever. 

15. Virgin, thou of virgins fairest, 
Tslay the bitter woe Thou sharest 
Make on me impression deep. 

After this, say the Our Father, Flail Mary, and Glory 
five times, in honor of the Passion of Jesus Christ, to gain 
the indulgences granted to those who recite them. 




DEVOTION 0I^ THE HOI,Y ROSARY. 



The entire Rosaiy is made up of fifteen Decades, 
each Decade consisting of one Our Father^ ten Hail 
Ma7'ys^ and one Glory^ corresponding to fifteen Mysteries 
of the life of our Blessed Lady, which we should medi- 
tate on while reciting it. These Mysteries are divided 
into three groups : the Joyful, the Sorrowful and the 
Glorious Mysteries. Each set of Mysteries makes up 
what is ordinarily called the Beads. To say the beads : 

1. Begin with the Creed. 

2. Say three Hail Alarys for the increase of faith, 
hope and love. 

3. Recall the Mystery before each Decade. 

4. Recite under each Mystery one Our Father^ ten 
Hail Alarys^ and one Glory. 

5. The Beads are generally closed with the Hail^ 
Holy Queeji and the following prayer : 

V, Pray for us O Holy Mother of God. 
i?. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Let us p7'ay. 

O God, whose only begotten Son, by His 
life, death and resurrection, hath purchased for 
us the rewards of eternal salvation : grant, we 
beseech Thee, that, by meditating upon these 
mysteries in the most holy rosary of the Blessed 
Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they con- 
tain, and obtain what they promise. Through . 
the same Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

276 



The flysteries of the Rosary. 



I. THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES. 
(Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays from Advent to Lent.) 

1. The Annunciation. 

2. The Visitation. 

3. The Nativity. 

4. The Presentation. 

5. The Poinding in the Temple. 

TI. THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES. 
(Tuesdays, Fridays, and the Sundays of Lent.) 

1. The Agony. 

2. The Scourging. 

3. The Crowning with thorns. 

4. The Carrying of the Cross. 

5. The Crucifixion. 

III. THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES. 
(Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from Easter to Advent.) 

1. The Resurrection. 

2. The Ascension. 

3. The Coming of the Holy Ghost. 

4. The Assumption. 

5. The Coronation. 



277 



DEVOTIONS TO SOMB PATRONS OF 
THE SODAlvlTY. 



DEVOTIONS TO THE HOLY ANGELS. 

LITANY OF THE GUARDIAN ANGEL. 

(For private devotion.) 

Lord, have mercy. 
Christ, have mercy. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. 
God the Son, Redeemer of the w^orld, have mercy 
on us. 

God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. 



Holy Mary Queen of Angels, 




Holy Angel, 


my guardian, 




Holy Angel 


my counsellor, 




Holy Angel 


my monitor, 




Holy Angel, 


my defender. 




Holy Angel 
Holy Angel 


my friend, 




my companion. 




Holy xAngel 


my intercessor, 




Holy Angel 


my patron, 




Holy Angel 


my director. 


Holy Angel 


my ruler, 


c 

m 


Holy Angel 


my model. 




Holy Angel 


my protector, 




Holy Angel 


my comforter, 




Holy Angel 


, my teacher, 




Holy Angel 


, my witness, 




Holy Angel 


, my helper, 




Holy Angel 


my guide, 





278 



DEVOTIONS TO SOME PATRONS 



Holy Angel, my instructor, 
Holy Angel, my enlightener, 
Holy Angel, my Advocate. 



\ 



Pray 
for 



us. 



Lamb of God, etc. 

V. Pray for us, O holy Angel Guardian. 
R. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 



Almighty and eternal God, who in the coun- 
sel of Thy unspeakable goodness, hast appointed 
to all the faithful a special Angel Guardian of 
their body and soul ; grant that I may so love 
and honor him whom Thou hast so mercifully 
given me, that, protected by the bounty of Thy 
grace, and by his assistance, I may merit to be- 
hold, with him and all the angelic host, the 
glory of Thy countenance in the heavenly 
country. Who livest and reignest world with- 
out end. Amen. 



Angel of God, my Guardian, to whose care 
I am committed by the divine goodness, en- 
lighten, guard, rule and govern me. Amen. 

Ant. They are all ministering spirits, sent to 
minister to them who shall receive the inherit- 
ance of salvation. 

V. I will sing praise to Thee in the sight of 
the angels. 



Let us pray. 



Angel of God. 



28o SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



R. I will worship towards Thy holy temple, 
and I will give glory to Thy name. 

Let us pray, 

O God, who, in most wonderful order, dost 
assign the various offices, both of angels and of 
men ; grant, we beseech Thee, that they who 
always minister before Thy face in heaven, may 
also defend us in this our life on earth: through 
Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 

DEVOTION TO ST. JOSEPH. 

O Blessed Joseph, faithful guardian of my 
Redeemer Jesus Christ, protector of thy chaste 
spouse, the Virgin Mother of God, I choose 
thee this day to be my especial patron and ad- 
vocate, and I firmly resolve from this time 
forth always to honor thee as such. There- 
fore I humbly beseech thee to receive me for 
thy client, to instruct me in every doubt, to 
comfort me in every affliction, and finally to 
defend and protect me in the hour of death. 
Amen. 

O Guardian of Virgins and Father St. Joseph, 
to whose faithful care Christ Jesus, innocence it- 
self, and Mary, the Virgin of virgins, were com- 
mitted : by these two dearest pledges, Jesus and 
Mary, I pray and beseech of thee, preserve me 
from all uncleanness, and obtain for me, with 



DEVOTIOXS TO SOME PATRONS 



281 



an undefiled mind, a pure heart and a chaste 
body, faithfully to serve Jesus and Mary all the 
days of my life. Amen. 

Prayer for a Happy Death. 

O Blessed Joseph, who didst breathe thy 
last breath in the fond embrace of Jesus and of 
Mary, when the seal of death shall close my 
course of life, come, holy father, with Jesus 
and jNIary, to aid me, and obtain for me this 
only solace which I ask for in that hour, to die 
encircled by their holy arms. Into your sacred 
hands, living and dying, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, 
I commend my soul. Amen. 

V. Pray for us, St. Joseph. 

R. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. 

We beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be 
assisted by the merits of the spouse of Thy most 
holy Mother ; so that what we are unable to 
obtain of ourselves, may be granted us through 
his intercession : who livest and reignest, world 
without end. Amen. 



DEVOTION TO ST. ANNE. 

O Blessed Anne, glorious mother of the 
Mother of God, well hast thou deserved thy 
name, which means grace ; for to thee was it 
granted to bear in thy blessed womb the living 
Paradise greater than all the heavens, who was 
chosen to conceive and give birth to Him 
whom the heaven of heavens could not con- 
tain. Thou art, O privileged mother, the root 
of Jesse, from which the fairest flower and the 
most delicious fruit, Christ Jesus our Lord, 
has sprung forth. Rejoice, O blessed Anne, 
for of thy daughter was born that Son who 
was called the Angel of the Great Council, 
that is, of the salvation of the whole world. 
O holy mother, make me partaker of that 
grace which thou hast drawn so plentifully 
from the source of all graces, that I may live 
and die in the love of thy divine Grandchild, 
Jesus Christ, and under the protection of thy 
sweetest daughter Mary, His Mother. Amen. 

O GLORIOUS Patriarch, St. Joachim, and 
most blessed mother, St. Anne, by the favor 
which you have obtained with the Triune God, 
the Father, the Spouse, and the Son of Mary, 
your immaculate child, obtain for us by your 
powerful intercession a tender love for the 
Virgin Mother of God, and an ardent and 
unceasing desire to be united with her and with 
Jesus Christ, her Son. Amen. 

282 



DEVOTION TO ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA. 



A plenary indulgence may be gained on the usual con- 
ditions, on te7i consecutive Sundays^ by all those who per- 
form some prayers, meditations or other pious \vorks for 
the glor}' of God and in honor of St. Ignatius. The choice 
of the Sundays is free to each one. 

O GLORIOUS Patriarch St. Ignatius, we hum- 
bly beseech thee obtain for us from God, first 
of all, freedom from sin, which is the greatest 
of all evils, and after this, deliverance from all 
bodily ailments and diseases with which God 
is wont to punish the sins of men. May thy 
example enkindle in our hearts the constant 
desire to employ all our energies for the greater 
glory of God and the salvation of our neigh- 
bor. Obtain for us also by thy intercession 
from the most loving Heart of Jesus, our Lord, 
that grace which is the crown of all graces, 
final perseverance and everlasting bliss. Amen. 

V. Pray for us, St. Ignatius. 
R. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. 

O God, who, to extend the greater glory of 
Thy name, hast, through blessed Ignatius, 
strengthened Thy Church militant with the ad- 
dition of a new army; grant that, following his 
example, and assisted by his help, we may so 
fight the battle of faith on earth, that we may 
283 



284 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



merit to be crowned with him in heaven. 
Through Christ our Lord. 

Offering of St. Ignatius, see page 249. 
Anima Christie the favorite prayer of St. Ignatius, see 
page 263. 



DEVOTION TO ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 

THE NOVENA OF GRACE. 

The most popular devotion to St. Francis Xavier is 
the N'ovena of Grace ^ which is generally made in 
March, beginning on the fourth and ending on the twelfth. 

The origin of the novena is due to the Saint himself. 
He appeared at Naples in December, 1633, to Father 
Marcello Mastrilli, S.J., who lay mortally wounded in 
the head by a blow from an iron hammer, weighing two 
pounds, falling one hundred feet from the hand of a work- 
man. There was no hope of recovery. The prayers for 
the dying were being said for the sufferer, who had re- 
ceived the last sacraments. Suddenly the Saint stood by 
him, clad as a pilgrim, staff in hand, and radiant with 
heavenly light. " Will you go to India or to heaven ? " 
asked St. Francis, referring to a vow lately made by the 
dying man to go to India if his life were spared. *' I 
have no will but the will of God," was the answer. 

Renew your vow," said the Saint, **kiss the five 
wounds of the Crucified, beg to shed your blood for 
Him. . . . Be of good cheer. You are cured." It 
all!'came to pass. 

The Saint then promised his help to all who should 
make a novena from March 4 to 12, confess, and receive 
Holy Communion. So remarkably is his promise kept 
that the title The Novena of Grace was given to it. Its 
efficacy is not restricted to the date mentioned. The fol- 
lowing prayer has been used for the novena from the be- 



DEVOTIONS TO SOME PATRONS 285 



ginning, and is attributed to Father Mastrilli. Other 
prayers may be added. 

O MOST lovable and loving Saint, in union 
with thee I adore the divine Majesty. The 
remembrance of the favors with which God 
blessed thee during life, and of thy glory after 
death, fills me with joy; and I unite with thee 
in offering to Him my humble tribute of 
thanksgiving and of praise. I implore thee to 
secure for me, through thy powerful interces- 
sion, the inestimable blessing of living and 
dying in the state of grace. I also beseech 
thee to obtain the favor I ask in this no vena. 
{Pray for so7?ie special grace^ . But if what I 
ask is not for the glory of God, or for the 
good of my soul, do thou obtain for me what 
is most conducive to both. Amen. 

V. Pray for us, St. Francis Xavier. 
R. That we may be made w^orthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Let us p7'ay. 

O God, who didst vouchsafe, by the preach- 
ing and miracles of St. Francis Xavier, to join 
unto Thy Church the nations of the Indies; 
grant, we beseech Thee, that we who ven- 
erate his glorious merits, may also imitate his 
example, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



286 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

DEVOTION TO ST. ALOYSIUS PATRON OF 
YOUTH. 

THE SIX SUNDAYS. 

Besides the Plenary Indulgence on the feast of the 
Saint, six Plenary Indulgences may be gained, on six con- 
secutive Sundays, by all those who, in addition to the ful- 
filment of the usual conditions, spend some time in vocal 
or mental prayer, or some other pious exercise, in honor 
of St. Aloysius. The confession and Communion may 
be made on the preceding Saturdays. The devotion of 
the Six Sundays is much recommended and widely prac- 
tised, particularly by young people. It is commonly cele- 
brated on the six Sundays preceding the feast of the 
Saint, June 21. Any six consecutive Sundays, however, 
may be chosen. 

The following prayers may serve for the purpose as 
well as for private devotion. 

O Blessed Aloysius, adorned with angelic 
graces, I, thy most unworthy suppliant, recom- 
mend specially to thee the chastity of my soul 
and body, praying thee by thy angelic purity 
to plead for me with Jesus Christ, the immacu- 
late Lamb, and His most holy Mother, the 
Virgin of virgins, to keep me from all grievous 
sin. Oh, never let me be defiled with any 
stain of impurity; but when thou dost see me 
in temptation, or in danger of falling, then 
remove far from my heart all bad thoughts and 
unclean desires, and awaken in me the memory 
of eternity to come and Jesus crucified, im- 
press deepl}^ on my heart a sense of the holy 
fear of God, kindle in me the fire of divine 



DEVOTIONS TO SOME PATRONS 



287 



love, enable me so to follow thy footsteps here 
on earth, that, in heaven with thee, I may be 
made worthy to enjoy the vision of our God 
forever. Amen. 

Oil}' Fafhe?', Hail Mary , Glory, 



LITANY OF ST. ALOYSIUS. 
( For private devotion, j 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. 
God, the Son, Redeemer 9f the world, have mercy on 
us. 

God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. 
Holy Mary, ^ 
Holy Mother of God, i 
Holy Virgin of virgins, | 
St. Aloysius, | 
Most beloved of Christ, I 
The delight of the Blessed Virgin, j 
Most chaste youth, j 
Angelic youth, | ^ 

Most humble youth, 
Model of young students, 
Despiser of riches. 
Enemy of vanities, 
Scomer of honors, 
Honor of princes. 
Jewel of the nobility, 
Flower of innocence, 
Ornament of the religious state, 



288 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



Mirror of self-denial, 
Mirror of perfect obedience, 
Lover of evangelical poverty, 
Most affectionately devout, 
Most zealous observer of rules, 
Most desirous of the salvation of souls, 
Perpetual adorer of the Holy Eucharist, 



J 



1 




Be merciful : Spare us, O Lord. 



Be merciful : Hear us, O Lord. 
From the lust of the eyes. 




From the lust of the flesh, | ^ 

From the pride of life, i 
Through the merits and intercession of St. Alo- [ 
ysius, I 
Through his angelic purity, | ^ 

Through his sanctity and glory, j ^ 

We sinners beseech Thee to hear us. J ^ 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 
world, spare us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 
world, graciously bear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 
world, have mercy on us, O Lord. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 

V. Pray for us, St. Aloysius. 
R. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 



O God, the dispenser of heavenly gifts, 
who didst unite in the angelic youth Aloysius 
wonderful innocence of life with an equal 
spirit of penance: grant, through his merits \ 



Let us pray. 



DEVOTIONS TO SOME PA TRONS 289 

and prayers, that we, who have failed to follow 
the example of his innocence, may imitate his 
practice of penance, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Prayer to choose well a state of life. 

Angelic youth, St. Aloysius, whom the 
divine Mother Mary deigned to call to the 
Society of Jesus, behold I come to thee with 
childlike confidence: assist me in the import- 
ant task of choosing a state of life; guide me 
by thy most wise counsel, and aid me by thy 
powerful intercession, that I may choose that 
state of life in which I can best promote the 
greater glory of God, and render most secure 
the salvation of my soul. Amen. 

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory five times for the 
intentions of the Holy Father, to gain Plenary Indul- 
gence. 

DEVOTION TO ST. STANISLAS KOSTKA. 

Prayer for purity . 

My most pure patron St. Stanislas, angel of 
purity, I rejoice with thee for the marvellous 
gift of virginal purity which graced thy spot- 
less heart ; I humbly pray thee, obtain for me 
strength against all impure temptations, and in- 
spire me with constant watchfulness to guard 
my purity— that virtue most glorious in itself, 



290 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

and most acceptable to God. — Our Father^ 
Hail Mary, Glory, 

Prayer for charity. 

My most loving patron Stanislas, seraph of 
charity, I rejoice with thee for the burning 
flame of love which ever kept thy pure and in- 
nocent heart elevated to and united with its 
God ; I humbly pray thee, kindle in me the 
flame of the love of God, burning so brightly 
as to consume all earthly love and set me all 
on fire with His love alone. Our Father^ 
Hail Mary, Glory. 

Prayer for a happy death. 

My most tender and holy patron Stanislas, 
angel of purity and seraph of charity, I re 
joice with thee on thy most happy death, origi- 
nating in thy desire to contemplate Mary 
assumed to heaven. I give thanks to Mary 
because she obtained from her divine Son the 
accomplishment of thy desires : and I pray 
thee, gracious Saint, by all the lustre of thy 
happy death, be thou my advocate and patron 
at the hour of my death. O intercede with 
Mary for me, to obtain for me a death, if not 
all happiness like thine, yet calm and peace- 
ful under the safe-conduct of Mary my advo- 
cate, and thee my special patron. Our Father , 
Hail Mary, Glory, 



DE VOTIONS TO SOME PA TRONS 29I 

DEVOTION TO ST. JOHN BERCHMANS. 

O BLESSED John, who on thy deathbed 
didst clasp the crucifix, rosary and holy rules 
in thy hands as the most powerful weapons 
against the enemy, and didst exclaim : These 
three things have been most dear to me in 
life; with them I gladly die," I beseech thee 
by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, ob- 
tain for me such reverence for the holy pre- 
cepts of the Gospel, such devotion to the most 
Blessed Virgin Mary, and such love for Jesus 
crucified for love of us, that these three senti- 
ments may ever be my strongest armor to ward 
off the darts of the evil one, and when my last 
hour shall come, I too may, in accordance with 
thy example, with full confidence repeat : 

These three things have been most dear to 
me in life ; with them I gladly die. ' ' 

V. Pray for us, St. John. 

J^. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Let us pray, 

O Lord God, we beseech Thee, grant Thy 
servants to imitate the example of that inno- 
cence and faithfulness in Thy service, by 
which the angelic youth, John, has consecrated 
to Thee the flower of his age. Through Christ 
our Lord. 



292 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

To those who are enrolled in the Bei^chmans^ Society for 
Altar Boys, besides many Partial Indulgences, a Plenary 
Indulgence is granted on the feast of the Saint, August 
13, and on the five consecutive preceding the 

feast, on the usual conditions, provided they perform 
some act of devotion each time in honor of St. John 
Berchmans. 

DEVOTION TO ST. AGNES. 

O SWEETEST Lord Jesus Christ, source of 
all virtues and lover of virgins, most powerful 
conqueror of the evil spirits and strict uprooter 
of vice, cast a compassionate glance upon 
my weakness. By the intercession of the most 
Blessed Virgin Mary, and thy beloved spouse, 
the holy virgin and martyr, St. Agnes, grant 
me the aid of thy heavenly grace, that I may 
hate all things earthly and love what is 
heavenly; that I may resist vice, never yield 
to temptation, walk steadfastly in the path of 
virtue, not seek honor and praise, shun pleas- 
ures, bewail my past sins, keep aloof from the 
occasion of sin, avoid evil company, seek the 
society of the good and persevere in virtue ; 
that, by the assistance of Thy grace, I may 
deserve the crown of eternal life, in the com- 
pany of St. Agnes and all the saints of Thy 
kingdom for ever and ever. Amen. 

V. Pray for us, St. Agnes. 
R. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ, 



DEVOTIONS TO SOME PA TRONS 



Let lis pray, ' ^ ^ ' 

Almighty and Eternal God, who dost choose 
the weak to confound the strong; grant, we 
I beseech Thee ; that we, who celebrate the wor- 
! ship of blessed iVgnes, Thy virgin and martyr' 
I may experience her intercession with Thee. 
Through Christ our Lord. 

DEVOTION TO ST. AGATHA. 

O BLESSED Agatha, who didst rather suffer 
thyself to be reviled, buffeted and ignomini- 
i| ously and painfully tortured by rack, fire and 
' sword, rather than to allow thyself to be defiled 
in body or soul ; and didst deserve to be com- 
forted in thy torments by the sight of thy 
j Guardian Angel and the Prince of the Apostles, 
I obtain for us by thy merits and intercession with 
i. thy Spouse, Jesus Christ, joyfully to suffer all 
f temporal loss rather than to prove unfaithful to 
our Lord and Leader, to whom we have prom- 
ised everlasting fealty in our baptism. Through 
j Christ our Lord. Amen. 

V. Pray for us, St. Agatha. 
R. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. 

O God, who amongst other miracles of Th^' 
power hast also bestowed the crown of martyr- 



I 



294 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

dom on a frail creature, mercifully grant, that 
we who celebrate the memory of Thy blessed 
virgin and martyr Agatha, may by her example 
attain to Thee. Through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

DEVOTION f O ST. LUCY. 

O GLORIOUS VIRGIN AND MARTYR, St. LuCY. 

we admire that light of lively faith which it 
pleased the most merciful God to infuse into 
thy beautiful soul ; enlightened by which thou 
didst despise the vain and trivial things of this 
miserable earth, keeping thine eyes fixed upon 
that heaven for which alone we have been cre- 
ated. The riches and pleasures which the 
seductive world held out to thee, to the preju- 
dice of faith and divine grace, never clouded 
thy mind nor allured thy heart. Far from con- 
senting to the offers of thy wicked seducer thou 
didst show thyself brave and resolute to encoun- 
ter even death rather than to be unfaithful to thy 
heavenly Lord. What a shame for us, who, no 
less enlightened by faith and strengthened by 
grace, yet know not how to resist our sensual 
passions and despise the evil maxims and repel 
the flattery of the infernal enemy ! Ah ! obtain 
for us from God, O dear St. Lucy, greater light 
to seek, not the things of earth, but the things 
that are above. Through Christ our Lord. 
Amen* 



DEVOTIONS TO SOME PATRONS 295 

V, Pray for us, St. Lucy. 
R. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. 

Hear us, O God of salvation, that, as we 
rejoice in the heroic constancy of blessed Lucy, 
Thy virgin and martyr, so we may be filled 
with the spirit of holy devotion. Through 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

DEVOTION TO ST. ROSE OF LIMA. 

O BLESSED Rose, sweet flower blooming on a 
barren soil, truly wast thou a rose among 
thorns. With patience and meekness didst 
thou bear the stings of envious tongues. To 
these sufferings thou didst add the voluntary 
tortures of fasting, watching, the crown of 
thorns and the hair-shirt,, to subdue thy flesh 
and make thyself like to thy divine Spouse. By 
the merits which thou hast thus gained with 
thy divine bridegroom, obtain for us the grace 
to bear patiently all our afflictions, and so to 
mortify our passions that we may be always ac- 
ceptable to Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour ; 
who liveth and reigneth world without end. 
Amen. 

F. Pray for us, St. Rose. 



296 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

R, That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. 
Almighty God, giver of all good things, 
who didst enrich the blessed Rose with the 
dew of Thy heavenly grace, and didst make her 
grow up among the Indians in the full bloom 
of purity and patience ; grant us, Thy serv- 
ants, so to follow in the odor of her sweetness, 
that we may become the good odor of Christ ; 
who liveth and reigneth God world without 
end. Amen. 




HYMNS FOR THE USE OF THE SODALITY 



WHAT r^IORTAL TONGUE. 

What mortal tongue can sing thy praise, 

Dear Mother of the Lord ? 
To angels only it belongs 

Thy glory to record. 
Who born of man can penetrate 

Thy soul's majestic shrine? 
Who can thy mighty gifts unfold, 

Or rightly them divine ? 

O Virgin, what sweet force was that, 

Which from the Father's breast 
Drew forth His co-eternal Son, 

To be thy bosom's guest? 
*Twas not thy guileless faith alone 

That lifted thee so high; 
'Twas not thy pure seraphic love, 

Or peerless chastity. 

But oh ! it was thy lowliness, 

\Vell pleasing to the Lord, 
That made thee worthy to become 

The Mother of the Word. 
Praise to the Father with the Son, 

And Holy Ghost through whom 
The AVord eternal was conceived 

Within the Virgin's womb. 



SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 
DAILY, DAILY SING TO MARY. 

Daily, daily sing to Mary, 

Sing, my soul, her praises due, 
All her feasts, her actions worship, 

With the heart's devotion true. 
Lost in wond'ring contemplation. 

Be her majesty confessed : 
Call her Mother, call her Virgin, 

Happy Mother, Virgin blest. 



She is mighty to deliver; 

Call her, trust her lovingly; 
When the tempest rages round thee, 

She will calm the troubled sea. 
Gifts of heaven she has given, 

Noble Lady ! to our race: 
She the Queen who decks her subjects 

With the light of God^s own grace. 

Sing, my tongue, the Virgin's trophies, 

Who for us her Maker bore; 
For the curse of old inflicted, 

Peace and blessing to restore. 
Sing in songs of praise unending, 

Sing the world's majestic Queen: 
Weary not, nor faint in telling 

All the gifts she gives to men. 



HYMNS FOR THE USE OF THE SODA LIl Y 



HAIL, BRIGHT STAR OF OCEAN. 

Hail, bright Star of ocean, 

God's own Mother blest; 
Ever sinless Virgin, 

Gate of heavenly rest. 
Taking that sweet Ave 

Which from Gabriel came. 
Peace confirm within us, 

Changing Eva' s name. 

Break the captive's fetters, 

Light on blindness pour, 
All our ills expelling, 

Ev'ry bliss implore. 
Show thyself a Mother, 

May the Word divine, 
Born for us, thine Infant, 

Hear our prayers thro' thine. 

Keep our life all spotless. 

Make our way secure, 
Till we find in Jesus 

Joy for evermore. 
Thro' the highest heaven. 

To that mighty Three, 
Father, Son and Spirit, 

One same glory be. 



300 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MAR Y 
IMMACULATE ! IMMACULATE ! 

O Mother, I could weep for mirth, 

Joy fills my heart so fast ; 
My soul to-day is heav'n on earth ! 
Oh, could that transport last. 

I think of thee and what thou art, 

Thy majesty, thy state, 
And I keep singing in my heart : 
Immaculate ! Immaculate. 

The angels answer with their songs. 
Bright choirs in gleaming rows ; 

And saints flock round thy feet in throngs, 
And heav'n with bliss o'erflows. 
I think, etc. 

Oh ! I would rather. Mother dear. 
Thou should' St be what thou art. 

Than sit where thou dost, oh ! so near 
Unto the Sacred Heart. 
I think, etc. 

Oh ! I would forfeit all for thee. 
Rather than thou should' st miss 

One jewel from thy majesty, 
One glory from thy bliss, 
I think^ etc, 



HYMNS FOR THE USE OP THE SODALITY 301 



STAR OF JACOB, 

Star of Jacob, ever beaming 
With a radiance all divine, 

'Mid the stars of highest heaven 
Glows no purer ray than thine. 

All in stoles of snowy whiteness, 
Unto thee the angels sing ; 

Unto thee virgin choirs, 

Mother of th' eternal King ! 

Joyful in thy path they scatter 
Roses white and lilies fair ; 

Yet with thy celestial beauty 
Rose nor lily may compare. 

Oh ! that this low earth of ours 
Answ'ring to th' angelic strain, 

With thy praises might re-echo, 
Till the heavens replied again. 



302 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R V 



O MARY BLEST. 

O Mary, blest, 

A mother be to me, 
For who in heaven or earth can find 
A mother half so good and kind. 

So fair, so sweet as thee, 

So fair, so sweet as thee. 

Think, Mother blest. 
That thine own Son divine, 
When nailed upon His Cross ori high, 
For me He was about to die. 

Made thee. His Mother, mine, 
Made thee. His Mother, mine. 

O thou who art 

In heaven at His right hand, 
Obtain that I again may see 
My parents dear with Him and thee, 

In that bright happy land. 

In that bright happy land. 



HYMNS FOR THE USE OF THE SODALITY 303 



MOTHER OF GOD. 

Mother of God, my iife, my hope, my treasure, 
Look on thy child, and hear me from above ; 

Mother of God, what joy, what untold pleasure, 
Thrills thro' the soul that thinks on all thy 
love. 

Mother of Jesus, Mother most fair, 
Show to thy children a mother's love and 
care, 

Show to thy children a mother's love and care. 

Mother of God ! my childhood days caressing, 
Fondly thy hands my steps have homeward 
led, 

Mother of God, each moment counts a bless- 

Which o'er my soul thy watchful love has 
shed. 

Mother of Jesus, etc. 



Mother of God, if e'er my heart forgetting 
Thy love unceasing, that has guarded me, 

Mother of God, O then, may deep regretting 
Recall my soul to love of God and thee. 
Mother of Jesus, etc. 



304 SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 



HAIL, QUEEN OF HEAVEN. 

Hail, Queen of heav'n, the Ocean's Star, 

Guide of the wand'rer here below, 
Toss'd on life's surge we claim thy care ; 
Save us from peril and from woe. 
Mother of Christ, Star of the Sea, 
Pray for the wand'rer, pray for me. 

O gentle, chaste and spotless Maid, 

We sinners make our prayers through thee. 
Remind thy Son that He has paid 
The price of our iniquity. 

Virgin most pure, Star of the Sea, 
Pray for the sinner, pray for me. 

Sojourners in this vale of tears, 

To thee, blest Advocate, we cry ; 
Pity our sorrows, calm our fears, 
And soothe with hope our misery. 
Refuge in grief. Star of the Sea, 
Pray for the mourner, pray for me. 

And while to Him, who reigns above 
In Godhead One, in Person Three, 
The source of life, of grace, of love, 
Homage we pay on bended knee : 

Do thou, bright Queen, Star of the Sea, 
Pray for thy children, pray for me. 



HYMNS FOR THE USE OF THE SODALITY 305 



MEMORARE. 

O Mother blest, whom God bestows 

On sinners and on just, 
What joy, what hope thou givest those 
Who in thy mercy trust. 
Most holy Mary, at thy feet 

Thy children bend a suppliant knee ; 
Dear Mother of my God, 
Do thou remember me. 

Remember, Mary, Virgin fair. 

It never yet was told 
That he who humbly sought thy care, 

Departed unconsoled. 
Most holy Mary, etc. 

O Mother blest, for me obtain. 

Ungrateful though I be, 
To love that God who first could deign 

To show such love to me. 
Most holy Mary, etc. 



SODA LITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MA R Y 
CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY. 

Daughter of God the Father, 

0 Virgin pure and mild ; 
I venerate and love thee, 

Accept me for thy child ; 
My soul and all its powers 

1 consecrate to thee ; 

Be pleased, most holy Mother, 
From sin to keep me free, 

Be pleased, most holy Mother, 
To pray our Lord for me. 

Mother of our Redeemer, 

0 Virgin pure and mild ; 
I venerate and love thee, 

Accept me for thy child ; 
My body and its senses 

1 consecrate to thee ; 
Be pleased, etc. 

Spouse of the Holy Spirit, 

0 Virgin, pure and mild ; 
I venerate and love thee, 

Accept me for thy child ; 
My heart and its affections 

1 consecrate to thee ; 
Be pleased, etc. 



HYMNS FOR THE USE OF THE SODALITY 307 
LOOK DOWN, O MOTHER MARY ! 

Look down, O Mother Mary, 

From thy bright throne above ; 
Cast down upon thy children 

One only glance of love. 
And if a heart so tender 

With pity flows not o*er, 
Then turn away, O Mother, 

And look on us no more. 



See how ingrate and guilty 

We stand before thy Son ; 
His loving Heart reproaches 

The evil we have done. 
But if thou wilt appease Him, 

Speak for us but one word ; 
Thou only canst obtain us 

The pardon of the Lord. 

O Mary, dearest Mother, 

If thou wouldst have us live, 
Say that we are thy children, 

And then He will forgive. 
Our sins make us unworthy 

That title still to bear, 
But thou art still our Mother, 

Then show a Mother's care. 



3o8 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 
SALVE REGINA. 

Hail ! holy Queen enthron'd above, 

O Maria ! 
Hail ! Mother of Mercy and of love, 

O Maria ! 
Triumph all, ye Cherubim, 
Sing with us, ye Seraphim, 
Heaven and earth resound the hymn : 
Salve, salve, salve Regina ! 

Our life, our sweetness here below, 

O Maria ! 
Our hope in sorrow and in woe, 

O Maria! 

Triumph, etc. 

To thee, we cry, poor sons of Eve, 
O Maria ! 

To thee we sigh, we mourn, we grieve, 
O Maria ! 

Triumph, etc. 

This earth is but a vale of tears, 

O Maria ! 
A place of banishment, of fears, 

O Maria ! 

Triumph, etc. 



HYMNS FOR THE USE OF THE SODALITY 309 



Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, 

O Maria ! 
Tow'rds us thine eyes compassionate, 

O Maria ! 

Triumph, etc. 

When this our exile is complete, 

O Maria ! 
Show us thy womb-born Jesus sweet, 

O Maria ! 

Triumph, etc. 

O clement, gracious, Mother sweet, 

O Maria ! 
O Virgin Mary, we entreat, 

O Maria ! 

Triumph, etc. 



3IO SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



O MARY, MY MOTHER. 

0 Mary, my Mother, most lovely, most mild, 
Look down upon me, a poor, weak, lowly 

child ; 

From the land of my exile I call upon thee ; 
Then Mary, my Mother, look kindly on me, 
Then Mary, my Mother, look kindly on me. 

If thou dost forsake me, ah ! where shall I go ? 
My comfort and refuge in this valley of woe ; 
When the world and its dangers with terror I 
see, 

Sweet hopes come to cheer me in thinking of 
thee ; 

Sweet hopes come to cheer me in thinking of 
thee. 

In sorrow, in darkness, be still at my side, 
My light and my refuge, my helper and guide ; 
Though snares should surround me, yet why 
should I fear ? 

1 know I am weak, but my Mother is near ; 
I know I am weak, but my Mother is near. 



HYMNS hOR THE USE OF THE SODALITY 311 



O SANCTISSIMA. 

O sanctissima, 

O piissima, 

Dulcis Virgo Maria ! 

Mater amata, 

Intemerata, 

Ora, ora pro nobis. 

Tu solatium, 
Et refugium, 
Virgo Mater Maria ! 
Quiquid optamus, 
Per te speramus ; 
Ora, ora pro nobis. 

Ecce debiles, 
Perquam flebiles, 
Salva nos, O Maria ! 
Tolle languores, 
Sana dolores, 
Ora, ora pro nobis. 

Virgo respice, 
Mater aspice, 
Audi nos, O IMaria ! 
Tu medicinam 
Portas divinam 
Ora, ora pro nobis. 



312 SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 



TE DEUM. 

Holy God, we praise Thy name, 
Lord of all, we bow before Thee : 

All on earth Thy sceptre claim, 
All in heaven above adore Thee; 

Infinite Thy vast domain. 
Everlasting is Thy reign. 

Hark ! the loud celestial hymn, 
Angel choirs above are raising : 

Cherubim and Seraphim, 

In unceasing chorus praising. 

Fill the heavens with sweet accord : 
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord. 

Lo ! the apostolic train 

Join, Thy sacred name to hallow; 
Prophets swell the loud refrain, 

And the white robed martyrs follow; 
And from morn to set of sun 

Through the Church the song goes on. 

Holy Father, Holy Son, 

Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee, 
Though in essence only One. 

Undivided God we claim Thee, 
And adoring bend the knee, 

While we own the mystery. 



Act of Consecration to our Blessed I^ady 42 

Acts of Faith, Hope, I^ove, Contrition 221 

Agatha, Dev^otion to St 293 

Aggregation of Sodality 11 

Agnes, Devotion to St 292 

Anne, Devotion to St . 281 

Angels, Devotion to ... . 278 

Litany of 278 

Prayer to . . . 279 

Angelvs 215 

Anima Christi 260 

Antiphons of the B. V. M 128 

Aspirations after Communion 257 

Indulgenced 216 

Ave Maris Stella 114 

Aloysius, Devotion to St 286 

Prayer of 30 

Ivitany of 287 

Six Sundays of 286 

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 57 

Benedictus 98 

Blessed Sacrament, Visit to 247 

Blessing of Medals of Sodality 59 

Ceremony of Reception 37 

Synopsis of 36 

Commemoration of the Saints 102 

Communion, Prayers before 255 

Prayers after 257 

Confiteor 221 

Consecration, Act of . 42 

Confession, Prayers for 250 

Prayers after 252 

Contrition, Act of ...... 221 

Divine Praises, The 53 



314 INDEX 

Dead, Office of the 156 

Death, Prayer for a Happy i8i 

Devotion to Patron Saints of the Sodality 278 

Examination of Conscience, Daily 217 

For Confession. 251 

Exercises, Spiritual, to be made by Sodalists 21 

Order of, at Meetings 44 

Francis Xavier, Devotion to St 284 

Novena of Grace in honor of 284 

Hymns 297 

Hail, Holy Queen 48 

Heart of Jesus, Morning Oflfering to 211 

Ignatius, Devotion to St 283 

Prayer of St 249 

Indulgence, Pleuarj' after Communion 261 

Indulgences of the Sodality 9 

Jesus, Litany of the Holy Name of 262 

John Berchmans', Devotion to St 291 

Joseph, Devotions to St 280 

I^itany of the Blessed Virgin 45 

Of the Holy Name of Jesus ... 292 

Of the Guardian Angel 278 

Of St. Aloysius 287 

Lucy, Devotion to St 294 

Magnificat . . 116 

Mass, Ordinary of the 223 

Prayer after ... 245 

Memorare . . ... 49 

Morning Prayers 211 

Night Pra3^ers 217 

Offering, the Morning 211 

Of St.Ignatius 249 

O Salufaris 51 

Office, Little of the Blessed Virgin 58 

Little of the Immaculate Conception 138 

Of the Dead 156 

Order of Exercises at Regular Meetings 44 

Prayer Before and After Office • 56 



INDEX 315 

Prayer for a Happy Death 290, 281 

Of St. Aloysius 50 

The Choice of a State of I^ife , . . . . 2S9 

For a Sick Member 51 

Of St. Thomas Aquinas 259 

Prayers for Regular and Occasional Meetings ... 45 

Morning 211 

Night 217 

To the Guardian Angel 279 

For the Grace of Purity 21 d, 289 

For Deceased Bishop or Priest 171 

Reception into Sodality, Synopsis of Ceremonial .... 56 

Ceremony of Solemn 37 

Regina Coeli 132 

Retreat, Annual 21 

Rosary, Devotion of the Hoh' 276 

The Mysteries of the . 277 

Rose Lima, Devotion to St 295 

Rules of the Sodality 17 

Common 17 

For Election of Officers 26 

Particular, of Officers 28 

For Admission of Members 35 

Sacrament, Visit to the Blessed 247 

Sacred Heart, Offering to .211 

Saints Commemoration of the 102 

Salve Regina 48 

Sodality, Origin and History of i 

Object of 3 

Practices of 3 

Benefits of 8 

Indulgences of 9 

Erection and Aggregation of ii 

Direction of 12 

Useful Hints for Direction of 14 

Statutes and Rules of 17 

Ceremony of Reception into 37 



t 

316 INDEX 

Ofl&ces Customary to be Recited in 55 

Patron Saints of, Devotion to 278 

Prayer for 50 

Stab at Mater 265 

Stanislas, Devotion to • 289 

Stations of the Cross 265 

Synopsis of the Ceremonial of Reception 36 

Tantum Ergo 53 

Te Deum 78 

Veni, Creator 37 

Veni^ Sancte Spiritus 45 

Visit to the Blessed Sacrament 247 



On 



